CLEEN Foundation has concluded the training of accredited election observers and citizen observers ahead of the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for June 20, 2026, as part of efforts to promote credible elections, democratic accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
The training brought together observers from various communities across the state and focused on election observation methodologies, ethical standards, reporting procedures, conflict sensitivity, election-day monitoring, and the use of technology for incident reporting.
According to the Foundation, participants were equipped with the knowledge and tools required to observe the electoral process professionally, independently, and impartially.
CLEEN Foundation noted that election observation remains a vital component of democratic governance, helping to enhance transparency, accountability, public confidence, and peaceful participation in electoral processes.
The organisation stated that active citizen engagement and transparent electoral processes are essential for the growth of democracy, adding that the initiative is aimed at supporting citizens to contribute meaningfully to the integrity of the electoral process while promoting peace and public trust.
For more than two decades, CLEEN Foundation has been involved in strengthening electoral integrity in Nigeria through election observation, citizen engagement, democratic governance programmes, and security sector accountability initiatives. The organisation said its work continues to support stronger institutions and ensure that citizens’ voices are reflected in governance processes.
Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, the Foundation disclosed plans to deploy trained observers and citizen observers across selected local government areas and polling units in Ekiti State. The observers will independently monitor the conduct of security personnel and assess critical aspects of the electoral process, including voter accreditation, voting procedures, the performance of election officials and security personnel, voter accessibility, and compliance with electoral guidelines.
CLEEN Foundation also announced that it will operate a situation room during the election to receive, analyse, and verify reports from the field, enabling timely documentation of developments and emerging trends throughout the electoral period.
The organisation called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, electoral officials, media practitioners, and citizens to uphold democratic values and contribute to a peaceful, inclusive, and credible election.
It further urged stakeholders to reject violence, misinformation, vote-buying, hate speech, and other actions capable of undermining the will of the electorate.
According to the Foundation, the Ekiti Governorship Election presents another opportunity to deepen democratic consolidation in Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to supporting citizens and institutions in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and advancing accountable governance.
