KEY POINTS

• INEC has begun distributing sensitive election materials from the CBN in Ado Ekiti under tight security ahead of the June 20 elections.
• Ekiti’s voter register has risen to over 1.05 million, with PVC collection reaching 97.1% of registered voters.
• Officials say preparations are on track, with ballot materials set to reach all polling units across the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Ado Ekiti ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship and legislative by-elections in Ekiti State.

Officials of Independent National Electoral Commission were seen on Wednesday sorting ballot papers and result sheets for onward delivery to all 16 local government areas in the state. Security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to secure the exercise.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, described the process as orderly and expressed confidence that all materials would arrive at polling units on time for the election.

Voter register rises above 1.06 million

The commission also confirmed an increase in voter registration in Ekiti, with the figure rising from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 for the upcoming poll.

National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna noted that PVC collection also improved significantly, with 1,028,929 cards collected—representing 97.1% of registered voters. INEC also confirmed it had concluded PVC distribution after extending the deadline from June 11 to June 14 following consultations with stakeholders.

The commission processed 14,406 requests for replacement PVCs due to loss, damage, or defacement, though it said online replacement options are not yet available. That feature is expected to be introduced ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.