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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

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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.

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Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889323-ekitidecides2026-adc-candidate-raises-concerns-about-vote-buying.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Enugu North By-Election Records Peaceful Voting Amid Low Turnout

INEC officials report calm conduct across polling units as residents cite apathy and economic hardship for poor participation

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INEC officials report calm conduct across polling units as residents cite apathy and economic hardship for poor participation

The by-election in Enugu North Senatorial District, held on Saturday, was conducted peacefully with no reports of violence or disruptions, but saw a notably low turnout of registered voters across multiple polling units. Electoral officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supervised the process in various wards within Enugu North Local Government Area.

Polling began as scheduled in the morning, with INEC staff and security personnel present at each location. Despite the orderly atmosphere, observers noted that many ballot boxes remained largely empty by midday. Community leaders and election officials attributed the sparse attendance to voter apathy and prevailing economic challenges facing residents in the South-East state.

The by-election was called to fill a vacant seat in the Senate after the previous occupant’s tenure ended. Such elections are often seen as a test of democratic engagement at the grassroots level. However, many eligible voters stayed away from the polls, echoing a broader trend of declining participation in recent elections across Nigeria.

An INEC official at one of the polling centres confirmed that voting materials arrived on time and there were no technical issues reported. “We ensured all arrangements were made for a smooth process,” said the official, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak publicly. Local community representatives expressed disappointment over the turnout but commended both security agencies and electoral workers for maintaining order throughout the exercise.

Collation of results is expected to proceed overnight, with INEC set to announce official figures and declare a winner on Sunday. Stakeholders have urged political parties and civil society groups to intensify voter education campaigns ahead of future elections to address growing disengagement among citizens.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889339-enugu-north-by-election-peaceful-but-with-poor-voter-turnout.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

APC, Other Parties Contest Kano Federal Bye-Election as NDC Remains Absent

Absence of NDC raises questions on opposition strategy ahead of Kano’s crucial House of Representatives vote

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Absence of NDC raises questions on opposition strategy ahead of Kano’s crucial House of Representatives vote

A federal constituency bye-election took place in Kano State on Saturday, 20 June 2026, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and several other political parties vying for the vacant House of Representatives seat. Notably, the New Democratic Congress (NDC) was absent from the ballot, a development that has drawn attention from political observers in the North-West state.

The election saw candidates from major and minor parties mobilise supporters across polling units in the affected constituency. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supervised voting processes amid heightened security presence to ensure orderliness. Despite the competitive field, NDC’s non-participation stood out as stakeholders and voters speculated on the party’s reasons for opting out of the contest.

This bye-election holds significance for Kano’s political landscape, coming at a time when federal representation is under scrutiny due to shifting alliances and recent legislative vacancies. Analysts say that every seat counts for both ruling and opposition blocs as parties seek to consolidate their influence ahead of the next general elections. The absence of NDC is viewed by some as a missed opportunity to test its strength in Nigeria’s most populous state in the North-West zone.

As at press time, no official statement had been issued by NDC leadership explaining its decision not to field a candidate. Meanwhile, APC chieftains expressed confidence in their party’s performance at the polls, while representatives of other contesting parties called for transparency in collation and result announcement.

The outcome of this bye-election is expected to shape ongoing negotiations within Kano’s political class and could influence strategies leading up to subsequent elections. INEC officials said results would be announced once collation was completed at ward and constituency levels.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889341-ndc-absent-as-apc-others-contest-kano-federal-bye-election.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Truck Accident Blocks Oshodi-Apapa Road as Driver, Assistant Escape Scene

Police evacuate vehicles after container truck falls near Afariogun, Oshodi, causing heavy gridlock and diversions

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Police evacuate vehicles after container truck falls near Afariogun, Oshodi, causing heavy gridlock and diversions

A 40-foot container truck lost control and fell near the Afariogun intersection along the Oshodi-Murtala Muhammed Airport Road in Lagos on Thursday morning, forcing motorists to take alternative routes and causing major traffic congestion. The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. along the busy Oshodi-Apapa axis, with the truck’s driver and his assistant fleeing the scene immediately after the crash.

Eyewitnesses said the truck, bearing registration number Abuja RBC 560 XE, was travelling at high speed when the driver attempted to brake at an intersection close to the flyover. The truck toppled over, blocking much of the expressway and affecting traffic flow towards Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Two cars following behind collided as a result of the sudden accident, but their occupants escaped unhurt, reportedly because they were moving at low speed.

The incident led to significant delays for commuters, with traffic diverted through Toyota-Apakun Bridge as police officers and emergency responders worked to clear the obstruction. Many travellers heading for flights at the airport experienced extended journey times, while others were left stranded in the ensuing gridlock. Residents and business owners in Oshodi expressed concern over repeated road safety issues involving articulated vehicles along this corridor.

According to eyewitness accounts, emergency services arrived more than an hour after the accident took place. The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that all affected vehicles were eventually removed from the road to restore normal traffic flow. No casualties were reported as at press time.

Stakeholders have called for stricter enforcement of speed limits and enhanced monitoring of heavy-duty vehicles operating within Lagos metropolis. Authorities are yet to comment on measures to apprehend the absconded driver and assistant or prevent further incidents on this critical transport route.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/driver-assistant-flee-scene-after-container-truck-falls-near-oshodi-flyover/

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