Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Observers Raise Alarm as BVAS Fails to Recognise Elderly Voters in Governorship Poll
Technical hitches with biometric system spark concern over disenfranchisement; INEC faces calls for urgent review
Technical hitches with biometric system spark concern over disenfranchisement; INEC faces calls for urgent review
Election observers have expressed serious concern after the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) failed to recognise several elderly voters during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election on Saturday, 20 June 2026. Reports from multiple polling units across the state indicated that some senior citizens were unable to complete accreditation as the BVAS devices repeatedly rejected their fingerprints and facial recognition attempts.
The malfunction was observed in different local government areas, with officials confirming that affected voters were mostly elderly persons whose biometric data could not be captured by the machines. While some polling officers attempted manual intervention, many of the older voters left frustrated, unable to cast their ballots.
This incident has raised fresh questions about the reliability of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially in rural communities where access and technical know-how remain limited. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced BVAS to curb multiple voting and enhance transparency, but similar glitches were recorded during previous elections, prompting calls for improvement ahead of the high-stakes Ekiti poll.
An observer group monitoring the election described the situation as worrisome and urged INEC to provide alternative accreditation procedures for vulnerable groups. “We have seen several elderly voters unable to vote because BVAS could not recognise them,” one observer stated. “INEC must urgently address this to avoid widespread disenfranchisement.”
As at press time, INEC officials said efforts were ongoing to resolve technical issues at affected polling units. The commission is expected to conduct a review after the election and consider recommendations from stakeholders on improving biometric verification for subsequent polls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NAF Strikes Terrorist Camps in Sokoto and Kaduna, Rescues 22 Kidnapped Victims
Air operations under Operation Fansan Yamma target criminal hideouts as troops intensify security in North-West
Air operations under Operation Fansan Yamma target criminal hideouts as troops intensify security in North-West
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, has carried out fresh airstrikes on suspected terrorist strongholds across the North-West, including Sokoto and Kaduna states, on 18 and 19 June 2026. The coordinated missions disrupted criminal activities and resulted in the rescue of 22 kidnapped persons in Sokoto State.
According to NAF, precision airstrikes were conducted on identified terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area, targeting camps believed to harbour armed bandits. In separate operations by Sector 2 troops of Operation Fansan, victims abducted in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto were freed following intelligence-led interventions on the ground.
These latest offensives come as security agencies intensify efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, a region that has witnessed a surge in violent attacks on rural communities. The joint operations are part of a broader strategy to deny armed groups safe haven and restore stability ahead of the farming season.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesman, confirmed that air operations around Kidandan area of Kaduna State also targeted criminal elements based on credible intelligence. “Our sustained surveillance and strikes have continued to degrade the operational capabilities of these groups,” Ejodame said in a written statement. He added that rescued victims had been handed over to relevant authorities for medical checks and reunion with their families.
Security analysts say the ability to combine air power with ground intelligence is critical for lasting impact against organised crime in the region. As at press time, no opposition parties had issued statements regarding the latest NAF operations. The military is expected to maintain pressure on identified hideouts, with further joint patrols planned across vulnerable border communities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kaduna Governor Sani Hails Ekiti Governorship Election as Transparent Amid Vote-Buying Allegations
Governor Sani commends conduct of June 20 poll, while opposition and observers raise concerns over reported cash inducements
Governor Sani commends conduct of June 20 poll, while opposition and observers raise concerns over reported cash inducements
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has described the just-concluded Ekiti State governorship election as transparent, even as allegations of widespread vote-buying surfaced during the exercise on Saturday, June 20. The election, which attracted national attention, was held across polling units in Ekiti State (South-West), with both ruling and opposition parties trading accusations over electoral malpractice.
The poll saw a significant turnout of voters across Ado-Ekiti and other major local government areas, with reports indicating that voting proceeded largely without violence. However, multiple accounts from party agents and civil society observers highlighted incidents where voters were allegedly offered cash incentives in exchange for their ballots. Despite these claims, security operatives were visibly present at many polling centres to maintain order.
The integrity of the election is of particular importance given Ekiti’s political history and its role as a bellwether state in the South-West zone ahead of national polls. While authorities praised improvements in logistics and deployment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), public debate has continued over persistent challenges such as voter inducement and the need for further electoral reforms.
Governor Sani, who monitored the process alongside other dignitaries, stated: “The conduct of the Ekiti governorship election demonstrates our democracy is maturing. The process was open for all to see,” he said after visiting several polling stations. However, opposition figures and some independent monitors criticised what they called institutional failures to curb financial inducements. “We witnessed politicians sharing money at certain locations; this undermines public trust,” one observer noted.
As collation continues at ward and state levels, INEC has urged citizens to remain patient while official results are tallied. The commission also reiterated its commitment to investigating all reported cases of electoral malpractice. Analysts say the outcome—and the way authorities handle these allegations—will influence public confidence ahead of future elections nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kiekie Wins Forbes Africa Top Content Creator Award, Expands Influence in Nigerian Media
Lagos-based entertainer also clinched AMVCA Online Content Creator of the Year in 2023, boosting her digital reach
Lagos-based entertainer also clinched AMVCA Online Content Creator of the Year in 2023, boosting her digital reach
Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kiekie, has been named Forbes Africa Top Content Creator of the Year for 2024, marking a significant milestone for the Lagos-based media personality. The award comes after Kiekie secured the AMVCA Online Content Creator of the Year title in 2023, consolidating her position among Nigeria’s leading digital influencers.
Kiekie, who started her professional journey in fashion while studying at Bowen University and launching Accost Collection, has built a vast following across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. As at June 2026, her vibrant content and unique style have attracted millions of followers nationwide. She is recognised not just for her social media presence but also for her versatility as a host and actor.
Her recent roles include appearances in productions such as Gingerrr, The Housemaids Series and Ìlé Owó. She has also hosted major entertainment events like Vibes on the Beach with Wizkid, Burna Boy Live, and Timeless Night with Davido. Industry observers say Kiekie’s success reflects the growing influence of content creators in Nigeria’s entertainment sector, especially as brands and event organisers continue to seek out digital personalities with strong audience engagement.
The recognition from Forbes Africa highlights the rising profile of Nigerian creatives on the continental stage. Stakeholders within the entertainment industry have described her achievements as evidence of new opportunities opening up for young Nigerians willing to leverage digital platforms. “Her journey shows that talent combined with consistency can open doors,” one event organiser said.
With these recent honours, Kiekie is expected to expand her collaborations with top brands and feature in more film and television projects in coming months. Industry experts predict that other content creators will be inspired by her trajectory to pursue similar paths within Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/kiekie-life-i-keep-off-camera/
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