Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Voters Head to Polls as Governorship Election Kicks Off Across South-West State
INEC begins collation of polling unit results as major parties vie for victory; turnout reported high in key LGAs
INEC begins collation of polling unit results as major parties vie for victory; turnout reported high in key LGAs
Polling units across Ekiti State opened their doors on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as residents turned out to cast their votes in the highly anticipated governorship election. The exercise, which commenced early in the morning, saw significant participation from eligible voters in various local government areas of the South-West state.
According to reports from different parts of Ekiti, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arrived at most polling stations on schedule, with voting materials distributed and accreditation processes underway before midday. Security personnel were visible at strategic locations to ensure a peaceful atmosphere throughout the exercise. Observers noted that voter turnout appeared particularly strong in Ado-Ekiti and Ikere LGAs, where competition among candidates is traditionally fierce.
This year’s governorship election is seen as a crucial test for both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). With no female candidates on the ballot for the top seat, attention has focused on male flagbearers vying to succeed the current administration. The outcome is expected to have implications for party strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While official statements from INEC indicated that polling generally proceeded smoothly, some voters cited minor delays related to biometric accreditation devices at isolated centres. However, electoral officers assured that any technical issues were being resolved promptly. At press time, opposition party agents said they were closely monitoring collation processes and urged INEC to ensure transparency in result announcement.
Collation of results from individual polling units began late Saturday afternoon and is expected to continue into Sunday. INEC has called for calm among supporters while official tallies are compiled. Political analysts say the result will likely shape political alignments in Ekiti and could influence national calculations within major parties.
Nigeria News (Standard)
PDP’s Oluyede Wins Polling Unit in Ekiti State Local Election
Victory marks significant boost for PDP ahead of wider results; APC yet to issue official reaction
Victory marks significant boost for PDP ahead of wider results; APC yet to issue official reaction
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Oluyede has emerged victorious at his polling unit in the Ekiti State local elections conducted on Saturday, 20 June 2026. The win, recorded within his ward, signals early momentum for the PDP as collation of results continues across the state.
The voting exercise at Oluyede’s polling unit was concluded under the supervision of electoral officials, with voters turning out early to participate. After counting, Oluyede was announced as the winner at the unit, giving his party a lead in that locality. No incident of violence or disruption was reported during the process at this location.
This development is seen as significant for the PDP, which is seeking to regain ground from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria. Local observers say that victories at polling units can boost morale for party agents and influence turnout in subsequent elections within the area. The overall contest remains closely watched, especially as other results are yet to be declared.
As at press time, APC officials had not released any statement reacting to Oluyede’s win. Electoral officers confirmed that collation would continue through the night and final results will be announced by the State Independent Electoral Commission. Both parties have deployed agents to monitor proceedings at various centres.
The outcome at Oluyede’s polling unit is expected to set the tone for PDP supporters as they await official state-wide results. The electoral commission has called for calm among supporters and assured that all votes will be properly counted before winners are formally announced.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889447-pdps-oluyede-wins-in-polling-unit.html
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sickle Cell Disease Remains Widespread in Nigeria Despite Decades of Awareness Campaigns
Health experts lament persistent high cases nationwide as government faces criticism over inadequate screening and treatment support
Health experts lament persistent high cases nationwide as government faces criticism over inadequate screening and treatment support
Sickle cell disease continues to affect millions across Nigeria, with health authorities reporting no significant decline in new cases despite years of public awareness efforts. The ongoing struggle was highlighted on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as medical professionals and advocacy groups raised concerns over the country’s slow progress in reducing the burden of the genetic disorder.
According to health officials, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease globally, particularly in states across the South-West and North-Central zones. Despite repeated campaigns and education programmes, many Nigerians still lack access to early diagnosis and comprehensive care, leading to preventable complications and deaths among children and adults.
The continued spread of sickle cell disease is a major public health concern in Nigeria, where an estimated quarter of the population carries the sickle cell trait. Experts say factors such as low rates of genetic counselling before marriage, limited newborn screening, and inadequate funding for specialised treatment centres have hampered efforts to curb new cases. The World Health Organisation has also identified Nigeria as a priority country for intervention due to its high disease burden.
Health sector stakeholders have criticised government’s response as insufficient. Medical practitioners point out that while awareness campaigns have increased knowledge about sickle cell disease, there is still a lack of free or subsidised screening services at most primary healthcare centres. An official from a leading sickle cell foundation noted that many families are unable to afford regular medical care for affected children. The Federal Ministry of Health has acknowledged these challenges and pledged to strengthen support for affected communities through improved funding and expanded screening initiatives.
Experts warn that without urgent reforms—including making genotype testing compulsory before marriage and increasing budgetary allocations—the country may continue to witness high rates of sickle cell complications. Advocacy groups are calling on policymakers at both federal and state levels to prioritise comprehensive sickle cell control strategies, including public education, affordable diagnosis, and access to life-saving treatments.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Observers Hail BVAS Performance, Raise Alarm Over Vote-Buying in 2026 Governorship Election
Civil society groups praise INEC’s technology but warn that widespread cash inducement threatens credibility of South-West poll
Civil society groups praise INEC’s technology but warn that widespread cash inducement threatens credibility of South-West poll
Election observers in Ekiti State have commended the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for its efficient performance during the 2026 governorship election held on Saturday, June 20. However, they expressed concern over reports of rampant vote-buying across several polling units, warning that such malpractice undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
According to monitoring teams deployed by various civil society organisations, the BVAS devices functioned smoothly at most polling centres in Ado-Ekiti and other LGAs, allowing for quick accreditation and reducing incidents of multiple voting. The observers noted that the swift verification process contributed to orderly conduct at many locations and encouraged voter turnout.
Despite these technological gains, observers reported that party agents from major political parties were openly distributing cash and material inducements to voters near some polling stations. They said that while security personnel were present at many sites, enforcement against vote-buying was inconsistent. This development has renewed concerns about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s campaign against electoral corruption, especially in the South-West region where Ekiti is located.
The observers called on INEC and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb financial inducement in future elections. “The use of BVAS is a major step forward for transparency,” one monitoring group stated in their preliminary report. “But as long as politicians continue to buy votes with impunity, the credibility of our elections remains at risk.” Calls for stricter prosecution of offenders were echoed by local civic leaders.
INEC officials have yet to issue a formal response regarding the reported cases of vote-buying. Meanwhile, stakeholders say they expect a comprehensive review from the commission once collation is concluded. Many believe that addressing these challenges is crucial as Nigeria prepares for subsequent off-cycle elections in neighbouring states.
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