A pre-election survey conducted by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), in partnership with Interpret Africa, has indicated that security topped concerns among voters ahead of the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State governorship election.

The survey, which covered the state’s three senatorial districts, revealed that 70 per cent of respondents identified security as their major priority ahead of the poll.

Executive Director of PAACA, Ezenwa Nwagwu, while presenting the findings yesterday in Abuja, said the result showed that voters were increasingly worried about safety during the election period.

“The survey shows that 70 per cent of residents identify security as a top priority. This tells us that beyond politics and party lines, the average voter is asking a simple question: will I be safe?” he said.

According to the report, 57 per cent of respondents also expressed concern about possible election-related violence, with fears particularly high in Ilejemeje, Oye, Ekiti South West and Moba local councils.

Nwagwu, therefore, warned that insecurity could discourage voters’ participation and weaken confidence in the democratic process if not properly addressed.

The report also highlighted growing public concern over electoral malpractices, including vote buying, ballot manipulation and voter intimidation.

It noted that the majority of the respondents considered such practices wrong and deserving of punishment, while many also indicated willingness to report electoral offences.

Nwagwu, however, said that voters’ awareness alone would not be enough to tackle the problem without visible enforcement and accountability.

However, the survey showed that older voters were more likely to participate in the election than younger voters.

According to the report, older citizens tend to show stronger political loyalty, greater engagement with traditional media, such as radio and a higher sense of civic responsibility.

It added that younger voters, despite being active online, recorded lower turnout intention and slightly lower Permanent Voter Card ownership.

On electoral preparedness, the report stated that 62 per cent of respondents believed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was prepared for the election, while 54 per cent expressed confidence in electronic transmission of results.

It, however, identified uneven awareness of electoral reforms in some local councils, including Aiyekire, Ise/Orun and Emure, stressing the need for sustained voter education.

The organisation urged political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns that centre on security, job creation, electricity and infrastructure rather than rhetoric, hate speech and personality politics.