As
preparations intensify ahead of
the Ekiti State governorship election, stakeholders have
stepped up peace-building engagements targeting key community influencers, with
traditional rulers and religious leaders playing a central role in ongoing
advocacy efforts.
The
engagement formed part of the “Socialisation of the Peace Accord” programme
organised by the National Peace Committee in collaboration with The Kukah
Centre, for the support European Union Support to Democratic Governance
(EU-SDGN) programme, held in Ado-Ekiti.
The
programme focused on sensitising representatives of traditional institutions
and religious communities on the importance of the Peace Accord, which is
expected to be formally signed by political actors on Thursday, May 21, 2026,
in Ado-Ekiti.
Facilitators
stressed that monarchs, clerics and faith-based organisations remain
influential voices within their communities and are therefore critical to
promoting tolerance, responsible political participation and conflict
prevention ahead of the election.
They
urged participants to use their influence to discourage hate speech, violence,
voter intimidation and misinformation capable of undermining the credibility of
the electoral process.
The
engagement also underscored the need for sustained dialogue and collaboration
among political stakeholders, community leaders and security agencies to
ensure Ekiti State maintains its reputation for peaceful elections.
In her
remarks, Project Manager of The Kukah Centre, Barrister Asabe Ndahi, said the
socialisation process was designed to take the message of the Peace Accord
directly to grassroots stakeholders whose influence could shape public
behaviour and electoral conduct.
She
explained that the forthcoming signing of the Peace Accord would serve as a
moral and civic commitment by political parties, candidates and supporters to
uphold democratic principles and avoid actions capable of disrupting public
peace.
According
to her, engaging traditional rulers and religious leaders ahead of
the signing was necessary because of their roles as custodians of culture,
morality and social stability.
She
expressed optimism that sustained advocacy and collaboration would support a
peaceful and credible electoral process in Ekiti State.
Representing
traditional rulers’ councils at the event were HRM Oba Adebayo Adesanmi
(Atewogboye II), the Ologun of Ogotun-Ekiti; HRM Oba James Ajiboye (Otutu
Biodun I), the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti; HRM Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, JP (Oyinyosaye
Uyin III), the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti; and HRM Oba (Dr.) John Adegbenro Falore
(Ajigbade III), the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti.
The
monarchs said the security architecture of the state depends largely on
effective coordination and timely information sharing at the grassroots level.
They called on government and security agencies to strengthen security
arrangements ahead of the election and pledged support for
peace across their domains.
Representing
the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ekiti State, Secretary
of the association, Evangelist Fabusuyi David, called for increased
collaboration to promote peace through religious engagement and
advocacy ahead of the polls.
Speaking
on behalf of the League of Imams and Alfas, Imam Aliyu Kolawole said the Muslim
community had continued to work with other stakeholders in promoting
peace ahead of the election.
He
urged government, political parties, civil society organisations
and electoral stakeholders to sustain peace-building efforts in the
interest of the state.
Discussions
at the engagement focused on mediation, community mobilisation, early warning
mechanisms and peaceful political participation ahead of
the governorship election.
The
programme also featured interactive sessions where participants reaffirmed
their commitment to promoting peace and encouraging political actors and
supporters to embrace lawful, issue-based and violence-free campaigns
throughout the election period.
