By Sunday Olatunji, Ado-Ekiti
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC), Hon. Justice Cornelius Ilori Akintayo (Rtd.), has urged political parties and candidates participating in the December 12, 2026 Local Government elections to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns while encouraging residents to actively participate in the electoral process.
Akintayo gave the advice on Thursday at the Ado Central Local Council Development Area, Oke Oniyo, Ado-Ekiti, during the Commission’s state-wide sensitisation and enlightenment tour.
He urged political actors to shun provocative language, character assassination, violence and other conducts capable of heating up the polity and causing social unrest before, during and after the elections.
Akintayo said the essence of the sensitisation tour was to educate political stakeholders and the electorate on the need to embrace peaceful and responsible conduct throughout the electoral process.
He said, “Political parties and their supporters must shun violence, provocative language and character assassination. We want a peaceful election, and every political actor has a responsibility to ensure that nothing is done to heat up the polity or threaten the peace of the state.”
The EKSIEC Chairman also expressed concern over the slow pace of campaign activities, urging candidates to mobilise voters and educate them adequately on their programmes and policies.
According to him, “Candidates should go out and campaign vigorously. Let the people know what you intend to do for them. The election should be about issues, programmes and the development of our local governments, not character assassination.”
He appealed to the electorate to actively participate in the electoral process, stressing that elections remain the credible and democratic means through which the people choose their political leaders.
Akintayo also called on the council authorities to continue supporting the Commission towards the successful conduct of the December 12 election.
Responding on behalf of the candidates, the APC Chairmanship Candidate for Ado Central LCDA, Hon. Tokunbo Adeparusi, pledged that political parties would abide by the rules and regulations guiding the election.
Adeparusi said, “We assure the Commission that we will conduct our campaigns according to the laid-down rules and regulations. We want a peaceful election, and we also appeal to the Commission to provide a level playing field for all candidates .”
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ado Central LCDA, Engr. Toyin Ojo, FNSE, represented by the Head of Local Government Administration (HLA), Mr. Segun Olabiyi, assured the Commission of the council’s continued support before, during and after the election.
Olabiyi said, “Ado Central LCDA will continue to support the Commission on all fronts to ensure the success of the electoral process. We have consistently responded to the needs of the Commission, and we remain committed to providing the necessary support for a peaceful and credible election.”
He noted that Ado Central LCDA was the first council in the history of the state to construct and equip a befitting EKSIEC office for the Commission’s officials, complete with the necessary facilities.
Olabiyi further urged the Commission to conduct an election that would be generally acceptable to all stakeholders, saying, “We expect an election that will be devoid of rancour and acrimony and one that will reflect the wishes of the people.”
The sensitisation tour was attended by political stakeholders, candidates, party faithful, council directors and other relevant stakeholders.
