By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Fresh concerns have emerged ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, as a new pre-election survey indicates that security worries have become the dominant issue among residents preparing for the polls.
Findings released by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) suggest that fears over safety, electoral violence and vote-buying may influence voter participation and public confidence in the election.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, PAACA Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, unveiled survey findings conducted across Ekiti’s three senatorial districts in partnership with InterpreteAfrica.
According to him, the report revealed widespread anxiety over security and election credibility ahead of the
governorship contest.
“The survey shows that 70 percent of Ekiti residents identify security as a top priority,” Nwagwu said.
“This tells us that beyond politics, beyond party lines, the average voter is asking a simple question: Will I be safe?”
The report further showed that while many residents still intend to vote, apprehension over violence remains significant in some local government areas.
“While a majority of voters are still willing to participate, 57 percent express concern about election-related violence, and in places like Ilejemeje, Oye, Ekiti South-West and Moba, that concern is even higher,” he added.
“What this means is clear: security is not just a governance issue — it is an electoral issue. If people feel unsafe, participation suffers, and democracy weakens.”
The findings add to earlier warnings from election stakeholders and civic groups that insecurity, political intimidation and vote-buying remain potential threats to a peaceful exercise in Ekiti. Similar concerns had previously been flagged by election observers and peace advocates monitoring the state ahead of the poll.
The survey also highlighted public frustration with electoral malpractice, noting that many respondents condemned vote-buying, voter intimidation and ballot manipulation.
“A clear majority of respondents consider practices such as vote buying, ballot manipulation, and voter intimidation as wrong and deserving of punishment,” Nwagwu said.
“If citizens are willing to reject and report vote-buying, are our systems equally prepared to respond? Addressing vote buying, therefore, cannot rely on voter education alone.”
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure strict enforcement of electoral laws and prompt prosecution of offenders.
“We must confront a long-standing weakness in our electoral system: weak consequence management. Electoral offences persist not because the laws are absent, but because enforcement is inconsistent and sanctions are rarely applied.”
The survey could increase pressure on security agencies and election managers as preparations intensify for the Ekiti governorship election. Analysts say if residents continue to fear violence or intimidation, voter turnout could be affected, potentially raising broader questions about public trust in the process and the overall credibility of the election.
