Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti LGAs Commence Early Voting in 2026 Governorship Election
Polling units across Ekiti State open on schedule as residents turn out to cast ballots for new governor
Polling units across Ekiti State open on schedule as residents turn out to cast ballots for new governor
Voting commenced early across local government areas in Ekiti State on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as residents headed to polling units to participate in the state’s highly anticipated governorship election. Electoral officials arrived on time at several locations, enabling the process to start as scheduled in most wards.
Reports from multiple local governments indicated that voters began queueing before dawn, with accreditation and ballot casting proceeding smoothly in the opening hours. Security personnel were observed at major polling centres, monitoring the process and ensuring orderliness as people exercised their franchise.
The Ekiti governorship election is widely seen as a critical contest for both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the outcome expected to shape political dynamics in the South-West. The early start to voting follows calls by civil society groups for improved logistics after complaints of late arrivals during previous elections in the state.
Election observers noted that prompt commencement is vital for credibility, given Ekiti’s history of closely contested polls and high voter engagement. “Early opening of polling units demonstrates improved preparedness by INEC and creates confidence among voters,” one observer said at a polling centre in Ado-Ekiti.
Results are expected to be collated at ward and local government levels before final announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Stakeholders have urged all parties and supporters to maintain peace throughout the process, as attention turns to turnout figures and early trends.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Urges Calm Over Voting Glitches in Governorship Poll
Oyebanji appeals for patience as reports of technical issues emerge during Ekiti State governorship election
Oyebanji appeals for patience as reports of technical issues emerge during Ekiti State governorship election
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has called on residents to remain patient and law-abiding following reports of technical glitches during Saturday’s governorship election across the state. The governor addressed the situation after voters in several polling units raised concerns over delays attributed to malfunctioning accreditation devices.
According to information gathered from various polling centres in Ado-Ekiti and other local government areas, some voters experienced slow processing as electoral officials struggled with equipment failures. Election officers were seen making efforts to resolve the issues, with many urging voters not to leave their stations until accredited.
The smooth conduct of the Ekiti governorship election is seen as crucial by stakeholders, given its importance as a bellwether for South-West politics and coming just months before other major elections nationwide. Technical hitches with accreditation devices have previously caused tension in Nigerian polls, often leading to voter frustration and concerns about disenfranchisement.
Governor Oyebanji appealed for calm, assuring residents that officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were working to address all complaints promptly. “I urge our people to exercise patience and allow INEC officials do their work so every eligible voter can participate,” he said in a statement issued at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.
While some political parties expressed worry over the delays, others commended the efforts of INEC staff on ground. As at press time, voting was ongoing in most affected units, with INEC yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the scale or resolution of the glitches. Security agencies were also monitoring developments to maintain order across polling centres.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Police Vow to Sanction Vote-Buying Offenders, Launch Electoral Emergency Hotline
State command issues stern warning as reports of vote inducement emerge ahead of 2026 governorship poll
State command issues stern warning as reports of vote inducement emerge ahead of 2026 governorship poll
The Ekiti State Police Command has announced it will take firm action against anyone found engaging in vote-buying or other electoral offences during the 2026 governorship election. The announcement came on Saturday, 20 June, as concerns grew over reports of inducements and irregularities in parts of the state.
According to the police, a dedicated emergency line has been provided for residents to report any electoral malpractice or violence as voting progresses. This move is aimed at boosting public confidence and ensuring a peaceful exercise across all local government areas. Security personnel have been deployed to identified flashpoints to maintain order and prevent disruption.
Vote-buying has remained a significant challenge in Nigeria’s elections, with stakeholders repeatedly warning that the practice undermines democracy and disenfranchises ordinary voters. The police initiative comes amid mounting pressure from civil society groups and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for security agencies to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The Ekiti State Police Command reiterated its commitment to neutrality and professionalism throughout the election period. “Anyone caught violating the law will face immediate prosecution,” an official statement from the command read. Residents were encouraged to make use of the emergency hotline if they witness any irregularities. As at press time, opposition parties had not issued an official response regarding the police measures.
The deployment of the emergency contact and increased patrols signal heightened vigilance by security agencies in Ekiti ahead of the highly anticipated poll. Analysts say success in curbing vote-buying could set a precedent for future elections in South-West Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Accord Party Candidate Alleges Vote-Buying, Accuses Security Agents of Bias in Governorship Poll
Candidate faults conduct of security personnel during Saturday’s election, calls for investigation by electoral authorities
Candidate faults conduct of security personnel during Saturday’s election, calls for investigation by electoral authorities
An Accord Party candidate in the just-concluded Ekiti State governorship election has accused political opponents of engaging in large-scale vote-buying and criticised the conduct of security agents on duty during the poll. The allegations were made on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as voting took place across various local government areas in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria.
According to the candidate, there were widespread instances of financial inducement at several polling centres, with agents allegedly distributing cash to sway voters. He stated that these activities were carried out openly and with little interference from law enforcement or electoral officials. The candidate further alleged that some security personnel failed to act on reported cases of vote-buying and, in certain instances, appeared to support those engaged in the practice.
The claims come amid heightened scrutiny over Nigeria’s electoral integrity, with many stakeholders expressing concern about recurring incidents of voter inducement and the credibility of state elections. Vote-buying has remained a persistent issue in recent election cycles, despite repeated assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to clamp down on such practices.
The Accord Party candidate called on INEC and relevant security authorities to investigate his allegations thoroughly. He urged them to sanction anyone found complicit, whether as perpetrators or negligent officials. As at press time, neither INEC nor the police had issued an official response to these claims. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding the allegations.
It remains unclear if these accusations will affect the final outcome of the Ekiti governorship election. Election observers have continued monitoring collation centres as results are being compiled, while stakeholders await official pronouncements from INEC in Ado-Ekiti.
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Urges Calm Over Voting Glitches in Governorship Poll
Ekiti Police Vow to Sanction Vote-Buying Offenders, Launch Electoral Emergency Hotline
Ekiti Accord Party Candidate Alleges Vote-Buying, Accuses Security Agents of Bias in Governorship Poll
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