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.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Party Agents Deploy Tactics to Induce Voters at Polling Units During Governorship Election
Concerns mount over alleged voter inducement as stakeholders call for INEC and security agencies to enforce electoral laws
Concerns mount over alleged voter inducement as stakeholders call for INEC and security agencies to enforce electoral laws
Party agents in Ekiti State were observed deploying various tactics to induce voters at several polling units during the governorship election held on Saturday, 20 June 2026. Reports from across the state indicated that agents representing major parties approached voters around the polling centres, allegedly offering incentives in a bid to sway electoral choices.
The incidents unfolded as voting commenced in multiple local government areas, with eyewitnesses noting that party representatives engaged in subtle exchanges and conversations with prospective voters. Some residents expressed worry that these practices could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Security personnel and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were seen monitoring activities at some locations but did not intervene in all cases.
Voter inducement has long been a source of concern during elections in Nigeria, with repeated calls from civil society and opposition parties for stricter enforcement of existing laws. The situation in Ekiti highlights ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, especially regarding vote buying and electoral malpractice. Political observers note that such actions undermine public trust and can affect election outcomes.
INEC officials present at several polling units declined to comment directly on specific incidents but emphasised their commitment to ensuring a free and fair process. Security agencies deployed across Ekiti State stated they would investigate any reported breaches of electoral law. Stakeholders have urged INEC and law enforcement to take decisive action against any individuals or groups found culpable.
As collation of results continues, attention remains on how authorities will address allegations of voter inducement. The outcome may shape public perception ahead of future elections in Ekiti State and other parts of the South-West.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCDC Rescues Teenage Girl from Kidnappers in Delta, Arrests Suspects
Security operatives recover victim unharmed; authorities urge vigilance as abductions rise in South-South region
Security operatives recover victim unharmed; authorities urge vigilance as abductions rise in South-South region
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued a teenage girl from suspected kidnappers in Delta State, arresting individuals believed to be involved in the abduction. The operation took place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as officers responded to distress signals from the affected community.
According to security sources, the rescue followed credible intelligence about suspicious movements within the area. NSCDC operatives launched a swift operation, locating the abducted teenager and detaining several suspects at the scene. The girl was recovered unhurt and has since been reunited with her family, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Kidnapping cases have seen a worrying increase in recent months across many parts of Nigeria’s South-South zone, with residents and stakeholders calling for heightened security patrols and community vigilance. The Delta State Command of NSCDC said it remains committed to collaborating with other agencies to protect lives and property in the state.
An official from NSCDC urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity promptly. “The safety of our communities requires collective effort. We encourage everyone to work closely with security agencies,” the official stated during a briefing on Saturday.
Authorities have assured that all arrested suspects will be prosecuted according to Nigerian law upon conclusion of investigations. The NSCDC also reiterated its resolve to maintain regular patrols and intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing kidnapping and related crimes in Delta State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Low Voter Turnout Hits Ilawe-Ekiti as BVAS Glitch Disrupts Ado-Ekiti Polling Unit
Technical issues with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System raise concerns over election credibility and voter participation in Ekiti State
Technical issues with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System raise concerns over election credibility and voter participation in Ekiti State
The governorship election in Ekiti State on Saturday witnessed low voter turnout in Ilawe-Ekiti, while a malfunction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) disrupted proceedings at a major polling unit in Ado-Ekiti. The incidents were observed as residents across the state headed to polling centres on 20 June to elect a new governor.
In Ilawe-Ekiti, South-West Nigeria, electoral officials reported sparse attendance at several voting points, with many ballot boxes remaining largely empty hours after accreditation began. Meanwhile, voters and officials at one of Ado-Ekiti’s prominent polling units experienced delays due to BVAS failure, which temporarily stalled the accreditation and voting process until technical support arrived.
The low turnout and technical hitches have heightened concerns about the effectiveness of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preparations for the election. In recent cycles, INEC has promoted BVAS as a solution to electoral fraud and multiple voting, but technical breakdowns have repeatedly cast doubt on its reliability. Many voters expressed frustration at the delays, with some leaving before casting their ballots.
INEC officials on ground acknowledged the challenges but assured that efforts were underway to resolve all technical issues. “We are working with our technical team to ensure every eligible voter is accredited and can vote,” one official stated at the affected Ado-Ekiti polling unit. No official statement had been released by opposition parties as at press time regarding the day’s disruptions.
With voting scheduled to continue across Ekiti State into the afternoon, attention now turns to whether turnout will improve and if further technical issues can be avoided. The outcome of this election is seen as critical for both APC and PDP in consolidating their positions ahead of the next general elections.
Ekiti Party Agents Deploy Tactics to Induce Voters at Polling Units During Governorship Election
NSCDC Rescues Teenage Girl from Kidnappers in Delta, Arrests Suspects
Low Voter Turnout Hits Ilawe-Ekiti as BVAS Glitch Disrupts Ado-Ekiti Polling Unit
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