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.
