Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Operatives Raid Governor Oyebanji’s Polling Unit in Ekiti Over Alleged Vote-Buying
Anti-graft agency intensifies surveillance as governorship election witnesses reports of inducement across Ado Ekiti
Anti-graft agency intensifies surveillance as governorship election witnesses reports of inducement across Ado Ekiti
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Saturday stormed the polling unit of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, amid growing concerns over alleged vote-buying during the ongoing 2026 governorship election. The EFCC officers arrived at the scene on June 20, heightening security presence and monitoring electoral activities as voters cast their ballots.
The anti-corruption agency’s intervention followed widespread reports of inducement across several polling units in the state capital, with eyewitnesses alleging that party agents were seen distributing cash to influence voters’ choices. EFCC personnel moved into the governor’s polling unit in response to these complaints, conducting on-the-spot checks and questioning individuals suspected of electoral malpractice.
Vote-buying has remained a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially during high-stakes contests such as governorship elections. Stakeholders and civil society groups have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws to curb financial inducement and ensure credible polls. The presence of EFCC operatives at a sitting governor’s polling unit underscores rising concerns about the integrity of the process in Ekiti, a key state in the South-West geopolitical zone.
As at press time, neither Governor Oyebanji nor his representatives had issued an official statement regarding the EFCC operation. The commission also did not disclose whether any arrests were made during their visit. Election observers present welcomed the agency’s proactive measures, noting that real-time monitoring could deter malpractice. However, opposition parties have urged EFCC to ensure impartiality and avoid targeting specific constituencies or political parties.
The governorship election continues across Ekiti State with heightened vigilance from anti-graft agencies and security operatives. Results are expected to be announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the coming days. Analysts say that effective monitoring by bodies like EFCC will be critical in restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti ADC Governorship Candidate Raises Alarm Over Vote-Buying Ahead of 2026 Polls
Candidate warns electoral officials to enforce rules, says widespread inducement threatens credibility of South-West state’s elections
Candidate warns electoral officials to enforce rules, says widespread inducement threatens credibility of South-West state’s elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State has expressed serious concerns about alleged vote-buying activities as the state prepares for its 2026 governorship election. The candidate, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, said the growing trend of financial inducement at polling units could undermine the integrity of the entire electoral process.
According to the ADC flagbearer, reports from party agents and supporters across various local government areas suggest that some political actors are already mobilising funds and materials with the aim of influencing voters. He urged both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take swift action in order to protect the credibility of Ekiti’s democratic process.
Vote-buying has been a recurring issue in Ekiti and other South-West states during previous elections, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing laws and enforcement measures. Analysts say that if left unchecked, such practices could erode public trust in government and discourage credible candidates from participating in future polls.
The ADC candidate called on INEC officials to strictly enforce anti-vote-buying regulations at polling centres and for security personnel to arrest any individual found engaging in electoral malpractice. He also appealed to voters not to allow themselves be swayed by financial offers but to vote according to their conscience.
With campaigns set to intensify in the coming months, stakeholders are watching closely to see how authorities will respond to these allegations and whether measures will be put in place to ensure a free and fair election come 2026.
raised concerns
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.
Ekiti ADC Governorship Candidate Raises Alarm Over Vote-Buying Ahead of 2026 Polls
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Urges Calm Over Voting Glitches in Governorship Poll
Ekiti Police Vow to Sanction Vote-Buying Offenders, Launch Electoral Emergency Hotline
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