The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited 98 observer groups to monitor the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, disclosed that the accredited organisations comprise 96 domestic and two foreign observer groups.
According to the commission, the approved observers represent a diverse mix of civil society organisations, professional bodies, and institutions with expertise in election observation, governance, human rights, gender advocacy, youth development, and peacebuilding.
INEC identified several prominent domestic observer groups, including Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa, Yiaga Africa, CLEEN Foundation, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Nigerian Bar Association, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, and Polling Unit Ambassadors of Nigeria, among others.
The statement emphasised that the presence of accredited observers aligns with INEC’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.
It further noted that observer groups play a crucial role in strengthening public confidence in elections by providing independent assessments of procedures and outcomes.
INEC urged all accredited organisations to adhere strictly to established guidelines for election observation and to conduct their activities in a non-partisan and professional manner.
The commission also listed several domestic observer groups, including 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative; Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative; Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation; Africa Women for Unity, Social and Culture Organisation; African Christian Care Trust Organisation; Akai for Youths Sustainable Development Foundation; Akakpuchionwa Empowerment Foundation; Amazons Women of Substance Foundation; and Arise and Build Human Empowerment and Growth Foundation.
INEC further disclosed that the two accredited foreign observer groups are AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria and Nouvel Perspective.
Reaffirming its preparedness for the election, the commission assured stakeholders of its resolve to deliver a credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral process in Ekiti State.
