•16 political parties to field candidates

•988,923 registered voters to determine next governor

•More women than men are registered to vote

By JOHN NWOKOCHA, Abuja

With about two weeks to the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State, the Centre For Transparency Advocacy (CTA), has observed low preparations which it describes as ‘low quality campaigns’ by political parties in the state.

“At this time, we in CTA are concerned about the low quality of campaigns. It is believed that politicians do not engage in campaigning but instead save money to influence voters on election day”, the Executive Director of CTA, Ms Faith Nwadishi, said.

Nwadishi who has been in Ekiti state to ascertain the level of preparations and sensitise eligible voters for the poll decried the development and urged politicians to engage in appropriate campaigns. Hear her, “It is appropriate for politicians to engage in electoral campaigns”.

She noted that elections in the state have been off cycle since 2014, following the Appeal Court’s judgement that overturned Segun Oni’s election in October 2010. She also noted that 35 political parties fielded candidates and competed in the 2018 Governorship Election in the state, according to records by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, for the upcoming governorship poll, more women than men from 988,923 registered voters in Ekiti State will determine who becomes the next governor of the state.

While 15 male candidates are vying for governor, only one female candidate is in the race for governor and seven female deputy governor candidates.

Charging all politicians to organize for a better election by ensuring free, fair, peaceful, and credible exercise Nwadishi said CTA has begun a multifaceted- engagements with citizens, stakeholders, security agencies, and the Election Management Body, aimed to measure the election-related sentiments and preparations in the state.

She disclosed that CTA will deploy 50 observers to the sixteen Local Government Areas of Ekiti State, including members of its expert team.

According to her, “In the weeks preceding the election, these observers will get training on the Electoral Act of 2022, election observation, and adherence to INEC Election Guidelines and the Covid-19 Protocols. On election day, CTA will also set up a Situation Room in Ado-Ekiti to gather reports from field observers around the state”.

Speaking on the vote buying trend, The CTA executive director said, “Let me state unequivocally that any form of vote buying or improper financial inducement is an electoral offense. Sections 121(1)a-d, 127 of the Electoral Act of 2022 are explicit on this point (a-b). Those found guilty of bribery and conspiracy face a fine of $500,000 or one year in prison, or both. No to vote buying and all forms of bribery”.

CTA, an accredited election observer and is involved in election observation in Nigeria.