INEC to Facilitate JDPI–Driven Voter Sensitisation Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has agreed to facilitate and support voter sensitisation initiatives by the Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election, as part of efforts to ensure a credible, peaceful and hitch-free poll.

This followed a courtesy visit by a JDPI delegation to the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, at the INEC office in Ado-Ekiti. The delegation was led by Rev. Father Emmanuel Akingbade, alongside Rev. Sister Agatha Ogbuagu, Barr. Anthony Adeusi, Mrs. Ojo-Adedeji Remi and Mr. Damilola Akinlabi.

Speaking during the meeting, Rev. Father Akingbade said the organisation was seeking to complement INEC’s constitutional mandate, particularly in voter education, data collation and post-election assessment. He noted that lessons from previous elections underscored the need for stronger civic engagement to rebuild public confidence in the electoral process.

He attributed low voter turnout in past elections to inadequate sensitisation and rising voter apathy, stressing that JDPI was ready to support post-election data gathering and structured engagements between candidates and voters to promote issue-based participation.

The delegation also called on INEC to address the proliferation of political parties they described as unserious and transactional, urging the commission to deregister platforms that fail to add value to the democratic process.

In his response, Dr. Omoseyindemi described the visit as timely, commending JDPI for its credibility and transparency. He assured the group of INEC’s readiness to collaborate, including providing relevant data and participating in JDPI programmes aimed at boosting voter participation.

“INEC will partner with JDPI and support your initiatives, which we believe will encourage more eligible voters to take part in the coming elections,” the REC said, while acknowledging the challenges of accurate population data in Nigeria.

As part of its advocacy engagements, JDPI also visited the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwatife, where the organisation raised concerns over food security, youth participation in agriculture and post-harvest losses.

The group commended the ministry’s efforts in farmer certification, productivity and security but urged greater youth engagement in organic farming, the establishment of organic farming villages, and the creation of poultry support systems to prevent losses.

Rev. Sister Ogbuagu highlighted challenges faced by beneficiaries of JDPI empowerment programmes due to poor market access, advocating the development of silos, abattoirs and other support infrastructure. The group further drew attention to hunger and malnutrition affecting millions of Nigerians, calling for the rehabilitation of rural roads to ease the movement of farm produce.

Responding, Hon. Boluwatife acknowledged recent challenges faced by farmers but maintained that agriculture remains profitable with patience, training and strategic planning. He disclosed ongoing plans for a central market, continued road rehabilitation under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), and the introduction of modern livestock management systems to improve security and reduce conflicts.

The commissioner thanked JDPI for the advocacy visit and assured the organisation that the ministry would follow up on the proposals raised.