As preparations intensify for the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for June 20, 2026, CLEEN Foundation has concluded the training of accredited election observers and citizen observers to support a transparent, peaceful, and credible electoral process.
The training, which brought together participants from various communities across the state, focused on election observation methodologies, ethical standards, reporting procedures, conflict sensitivity, election-day monitoring, and the use of technology for incident reporting. Participants were equipped with the skills and tools required to observe the electoral process professionally, impartially, and independently.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, CLEEN Foundation emphasized that election observation remains a vital pillar of democratic governance, helping to strengthen public confidence in electoral processes while promoting transparency, accountability, and peaceful participation.
The Foundation noted that democracy flourishes when citizens are actively involved in governance and when electoral processes are conducted in a transparent and credible manner. It stated that the training is aimed at empowering citizens to contribute meaningfully to electoral integrity while fostering peace and public trust.
For more than two decades, CLEEN Foundation has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen electoral integrity in Nigeria through evidence-based election observation, citizen engagement, security sector accountability, and democratic governance initiatives. The organization said its interventions have continued to support stronger institutions and ensure that citizens’ voices are reflected in governance processes.
Ahead of the governorship election, the Foundation will deploy trained observers across selected Local Government Areas and polling units in Ekiti State to independently monitor the conduct of security personnel and other key aspects of the electoral process. Observers will assess voter accreditation, voting procedures, the conduct of election officials and security personnel, accessibility for voters, and compliance with electoral guidelines.
To enhance monitoring and documentation, CLEEN Foundation will also operate a situation room to receive, analyze, and verify reports from the field, enabling timely tracking of developments and emerging trends throughout the election period.
The Foundation called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, electoral officials, the media, and citizens to uphold democratic values and work collectively toward a peaceful, inclusive, and credible election. It urged stakeholders to reject violence, misinformation, vote-buying, hate speech, and other actions capable of undermining the will of the electorate.
According to the organization, the Ekiti Governorship Election presents another opportunity to deepen democratic consolidation in Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to supporting citizens and institutions in safeguarding electoral integrity and promoting accountable governance.
