By Rukevwe odeh

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed the distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials to all 16 local government areas in Ekiti State in preparation for the governorship election scheduled for tomorrow.

The exercise involved the movement of ballot papers, result sheets, and other essential voting materials from designated storage facilities to local government offices across the state. Representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media monitored the process to ensure transparency and accountability.

According to INEC officials, the timely deployment of election materials demonstrates the commission’s readiness to conduct a smooth, credible, and transparent electoral process. Security personnel have also been strategically deployed to safeguard the materials and maintain order before, during, and after the election.

More than one million registered voters are expected to participate in the poll, which is considered a significant political contest in the state. Stakeholders have continued to urge voters to conduct themselves peacefully and reject any form of electoral malpractice, including vote-buying.

The commission expressed confidence in its preparations and reassured residents that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a successful election across the state’s 16 local government areas.

By Rukevwe odeh

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially updated its records to recognise Prof. Sadid Umar Abubakar Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgment that resolved the party’s prolonged leadership dispute.

The electoral commission’s action marks a significant development in the internal affairs of the SDP, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over the party’s leadership structure. As part of the update, INEC removed the names of former chairman Shehu Musa Gabam and other affected officials from its official records and uploaded Prof. Gombe as the recognised leader of the party.

The leadership crisis had generated legal battles and competing claims to the party’s national structure. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling clarified the situation and reinforced the constitutional principle that political parties have the right to manage their internal affairs without undue interference from external institutions.

Reacting to the development, SDP officials described INEC’s decision as a victory for democracy, internal party governance, and the rule of law. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, commended the electoral body for implementing the court’s decision and respecting judicial authority. According to him, the move has restored stability within the party and positioned it for stronger participation in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party leaders also argued that the resolution of the dispute would allow the SDP to concentrate on strengthening its structures nationwide, expanding its membership base, and promoting its policy agenda. They expressed confidence that a united party would be better equipped to provide alternative political leadership and address national concerns such as insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and governance challenges.

Observers believe the development could enhance the SDP’s preparations for future elections, particularly as political parties across the country begin positioning themselves for the 2027 electoral cycle. The resolution of the leadership issue is expected to improve cohesion within the party and reduce internal distractions that could affect its political ambitions.

The latest action by INEC has also reignited discussions about the autonomy of political parties in Nigeria. Legal experts maintain that the Supreme Court’s position reinforces established judicial precedents that internal party matters should primarily be determined by party constitutions and recognised organs, except where electoral laws are violated.

With the leadership question now largely settled, the SDP says it is focused on rebuilding momentum, strengthening grassroots mobilisation, and presenting itself as a viable platform ahead of the next round of national elections. Party stakeholders have urged members across the country to close ranks and work collectively toward achieving the party’s long-term objectives.

By Rukevwe Odeh

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on residents of Ekiti State to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the forthcoming governorship election, describing the governor’s second-term bid as a vote for continuity, stability, and sustained development.

Speaking during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Grand Finale Mega Rally in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Shettima urged party supporters and eligible voters across the state to turn out in large numbers and support the APC ticket led by Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye. He emphasized that the administration had demonstrated a commitment to governance, service delivery, and inclusive leadership, making it deserving of another mandate.

Representing President Bola Tinubu at the rally, the Vice President noted that the election goes beyond a routine political exercise and presents an opportunity for the people of Ekiti to consolidate the progress recorded over the past four years. According to him, continuity in leadership would help preserve the gains already achieved in critical sectors while creating a stronger foundation for future growth.

Shettima praised Oyebanji’s leadership style, describing him as a governor who has prioritized the welfare of ordinary citizens through practical governance rather than political theatrics. He said the governor’s administration has focused on addressing the needs of workers, farmers, traders, students, and other segments of society, earning the trust and confidence of many residents.

The Vice President also assured Ekiti people of the Federal Government’s continued partnership with the state. He pledged that the Tinubu administration would work closely with the state government to strengthen security, improve infrastructure, support economic opportunities, and expand development initiatives that would enhance the quality of life for citizens.

The rally attracted several APC governors, ministers, lawmakers, and party leaders from across the country, highlighting the strategic importance the ruling party places on retaining Ekiti State. Political observers viewed the large turnout as a show of solidarity for the incumbent governor ahead of the crucial poll.

Also speaking at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Oyebanji’s performance in office and urged voters to reward what he described as effective governance with another term. He expressed confidence that the governor’s achievements in public service delivery and development projects would resonate with voters on election day.

Similarly, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda lauded the governor’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, noting that the administration’s achievements reflected the governing philosophy of the APC. He encouraged residents to support the continuation of the programmes already underway in the state.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, party leaders, and the people of Ekiti State for their support throughout his first term. He pledged to build on existing accomplishments if re-elected, promising greater investments in roads, job creation, agriculture, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

The governor stressed that his administration has focused on fostering unity and inclusive governance while implementing policies aimed at improving living standards across the state. He urged voters to participate peacefully in the election and reaffirm their confidence in his leadership.

The Ekiti governorship election is expected to be closely watched by political stakeholders nationwide as it will serve as a significant test of political strength for major parties in the South-West region. Analysts believe the outcome could influence future political alignments ahead of subsequent electoral contests in the country.

With campaigns entering their final stages, both the APC and opposition parties are intensifying efforts to mobilize support across the state’s sixteen local government areas, setting the stage for a highly anticipated electoral contest.