Ekiti 2026: Group Ends Anti-Vote Buying Campaign, Seeks Credible Poll

The Ekiti Renaissance Movement (ERM) has concluded a grassroots sensitisation campaign against vote buying and vote selling, urging residents to protect the sanctity of their votes ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

The campaign, led by members of the movement, traversed several parts of Ado-Ekiti, engaging traders, motorists, commuters and residents on the need to reject electoral inducement and make informed choices during the election.

The sensitisation covered major locations including Bank Road, GRA, Ilawe Road, Falegan, Omisanjana Junction, Irona, Oke Bola, Ajilosun, Agric Olope, Ijigbo Junction, Matthew, Poly Road, Ureje, Odo-Ado, Mugbagba, Oke Iyinmi, Bisi Market, the Stadium area, Dalimo and the State Hospital, among others.

Speaking on the exercise, the lead head Olanrewaju Ojuoluwa said the campaign was designed to encourage voters to base their electoral decisions on competence, integrity and the overall interest of Ekiti State rather than financial inducements.

“The future of Ekiti is worth far more than any amount of money offered for a vote. We are urging every eligible voter to reject vote buying and vote selling and make choices based on competence, integrity and the collective interest of the state,” he said.

ERM noted that the exercise reflected its commitment to building a politically conscious electorate capable of making informed decisions at the polls. It added that credible elections can only be achieved when citizens understand the power of their votes and refuse to exchange them for temporary benefits.

“This campaign is about empowering citizens with the knowledge that their votes are their voices. A credible election begins with an informed electorate that cannot be manipulated through financial inducements,” Ojuoluwa stated.

The group attributed the success of the outreach to the support of its founder, Prince Isaac Fayose, whose commitment to civic education, good governance and accountability, it said, has continued to strengthen the movement’s activities across the state.

ERM also expressed appreciation to residents who embraced the campaign, saying the positive response underscored the growing desire among Ekiti people for transparent and credible elections.

“We appreciate the positive response from residents across Ado-Ekiti. Their willingness to engage with our message reinforces our belief that the people are committed to protecting the integrity of the 2026 governorship election,” the movement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to sustained voter education, ERM pledged to continue engaging communities on electoral responsibility, accountability and democratic participation as preparations for the governorship election gather momentum.

“Our objective is to deepen democratic values by taking civic education directly to the grassroots. We believe that sustained public enlightenment is essential to ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Ekiti State,” the group added.

The group is led by Isaac Fayose, younger brother to Ayo Fayose, the former Governor of the state.