Civil society groups raise alarm as irregularities mar voting process in major towns across Ekiti State

Incidents of vote-buying have been reported by election observers monitoring the ongoing governorship election in Ekiti State on Saturday, 20 June 2026. According to several civil society organisations present at polling units in Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, and other major towns, political party agents allegedly offered cash incentives to voters in exchange for their ballots.

Observers said the irregularities were observed shortly after polling commenced, with party representatives seen distributing envelopes and directing voters towards specific candidates. The reports have triggered concerns among stakeholders about the integrity of the electoral process in this South-West state, which has witnessed intense rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP).

Election monitoring groups noted that despite the presence of security personnel at many polling stations, enforcement against vote-buying appeared weak. “We are seeing open transactions near some polling units,” one observer said, adding that such actions could undermine public confidence in the outcome. The election is being closely watched as it is expected to set the tone for subsequent off-cycle polls in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier warned against electoral malpractices and assured voters that all complaints would be investigated. However, opposition parties have already begun calling for increased vigilance from law enforcement agencies. As at press time, INEC had not issued a formal response regarding the allegations of vote-buying. Results from several local government areas are expected later today, with analysts warning that reported irregularities could lead to disputes over final tallies.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889275-ekitidecides2026-observers-report-incidences-of-vote-buying-in-ongoing-ekiti-gov-poll.html

Lagos-based rapper renews social commentary with latest single; track follows earlier criticism of electoral commission

Award-winning rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has released a new single titled ‘Ole’, openly criticising Nigerian political leaders for failing to tackle the country’s growing insecurity and economic hardship. The track, unveiled in Lagos on Thursday, comes nearly four years after Falz made headlines with ‘Yakubu’, a song targeting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its then Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.

In ‘Ole’, which translates to ‘thief’ in Yoruba, Falz accuses government officials of neglecting their responsibilities amid worsening socio-economic conditions nationwide. The rapper’s lyrics point to a persistent lack of accountability among those in power, referencing the everyday struggles Nigerians face due to rising prices and widespread insecurity.

The latest release is significant given Nigeria’s current economic challenges, including inflation rates above 30 percent according to recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, as well as continued reports of kidnappings and attacks in several states. Many young Nigerians have turned to music and social media as platforms to express frustration over what they see as government inaction.

While official government reaction to the song was not immediately available as at press time, Falz’s previous political tracks have drawn both praise from civil society groups and criticism from ruling party supporters. Some analysts say such music plays a role in shaping public debate ahead of future elections.

With ‘Ole’, Falz reaffirms his position as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken musical voices on governance issues. Observers expect further conversations around leadership accountability as the song gains traction online and across radio stations nationwide.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/music/falz-drops-ole-blasts-nigerian-leaders-over-insecurity-hardship/

Experts urge federal government to tackle root causes as insecurity persists across North-West, North-East, and Middle Belt

Academic experts have identified governance failures and deepening poverty as the core drivers of Nigeria’s ongoing security problems, with rising incidents of violence reported in multiple states. Speaking at a policy forum in Abuja on Saturday, scholars argued that sustained insecurity in regions like the North-West and North-East stems from systemic neglect of social welfare, weak public institutions, and lack of economic opportunities.

The event, which brought together university researchers and policy analysts, focused on analysing the country’s persistent issues with armed banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping. Participants highlighted how inadequate government response has allowed criminal networks to expand their operations, leaving rural communities vulnerable to attacks and displacement.

Nigeria has witnessed a sharp increase in abductions and communal violence over the past decade. Experts noted that these trends have been worsened by unemployment and poor access to education, particularly among young people in affected areas. According to participants at the forum, many aggrieved citizens have lost faith in state institutions due to corruption allegations and perceived exclusion from economic development programmes.

The scholars called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise reforms that will improve transparency at all levels of government and strengthen social safety nets. They also recommended targeted investments in rural infrastructure and youth empowerment initiatives as strategies to address insecurity. “We cannot solve security problems by force alone,” one participant said during the session. “It is critical for government to restore trust by delivering basic services and creating jobs.”

While the federal government has announced new military deployments in some hotspots, analysts argue that long-term peace will depend on addressing underlying economic grievances. The gathering concluded with a call for further research into local governance structures across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889266-nigerias-security-crisis-rooted-in-governance-failures-poverty-scholars-say.html