Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Election Monitors Raise Alarm on Vote-Buying, BVAS Malfunctions and Ballot Issues
CDD flags irregularities as technical glitches and suspected vote inducement mar Ekiti governorship poll, calls for urgent action
CDD flags irregularities as technical glitches and suspected vote inducement mar Ekiti governorship poll, calls for urgent action
Election observers have expressed serious concerns over widespread vote-buying, ballot discrepancies and technical issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the Ekiti State governorship election held on Sunday. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), which deployed monitors across polling units in Ekiti, South-West Nigeria, raised these observations in its preliminary report released on 21 June 2026.
According to CDD, several incidents of suspected vote-buying were reported at polling centres across multiple local government areas. Monitors noted that party agents allegedly distributed cash and other incentives to sway voters’ choices. In addition to the financial inducements, CDD documented irregularities in ballot handling and discrepancies between the number of accredited voters and ballots cast in some locations.
The situation was compounded by technical challenges with the BVAS devices, which are used for voter accreditation. Observers reported that glitches with the machines led to delays and frustration among voters, raising questions about the efficiency of the electoral process. CDD stated that these problems undermined public confidence in the credibility of the election and could affect acceptance of the final results.
In its statement, CDD called on both INEC and security agencies to take immediate steps to address these issues before results are announced. The organisation urged authorities to investigate all reports of malpractice and sanction any individuals found culpable. As at Sunday evening, there had been no official response from INEC or major political parties regarding the allegations highlighted by CDD.
Ekiti’s governorship race is being closely watched nationwide as a bellwether for future elections in Nigeria’s South-West zone. Stakeholders warn that failure to address these observed irregularities may fuel post-election disputes and erode trust in democratic institutions ahead of subsequent polls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-Based Zedcrest Securities Named Joint Stockbroker for Dangote Refinery IPO on Nigerian Exchange
Move expected to deepen capital market as Dangote Refinery prepares for public listing, attracting local and foreign investors
Move expected to deepen capital market as Dangote Refinery prepares for public listing, attracting local and foreign investors
Zedcrest Securities, a financial services firm headquartered in Lagos, has been appointed as a joint stockbroker for the proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Refinery, one of the most anticipated transactions in Nigeria’s capital markets. The announcement was made on Friday, positioning Zedcrest among select operators to facilitate the refinery’s planned listing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
The Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos State, is recognised as the world’s largest single-train facility and has drawn significant interest from both domestic and international investors. With ongoing plans to offer a portion of its shares to the public through the NGX, industry watchers say this IPO could mark a turning point for investor participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Market analysts note that Zedcrest Securities’ appointment underscores its rising profile within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. The development follows Zedcrest Group’s acquisition of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers less than two years ago—an expansion that strengthened its capacity to handle large-scale transactions and institutional mandates. “This milestone highlights our commitment to supporting high-impact deals that will shape Nigeria’s capital market,” a senior executive at Zedcrest said in a statement issued after the announcement.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a signal of growing confidence in local intermediaries’ ability to manage major listings. Financial experts believe that Dangote Refinery’s entry into the stock market could attract billions of naira in new investments and increase liquidity across sectors. No official timeline has been given for the IPO, but expectations remain high amid ongoing reforms aimed at boosting transparency and investor protection on the NGX.
As preparations continue, attention is focused on regulatory approvals and final structuring of the share offering. The Nigerian capital market community will be watching closely as details unfold in what is set to be one of the largest public offerings in recent history.
Nigeria News (Standard)
PDP Candidate Wins Rivers South-East By-Election, Secures National Assembly Seat
Victory strengthens PDP’s hold in oil-rich Rivers State as electoral commission announces official results Sunday
Victory strengthens PDP’s hold in oil-rich Rivers State as electoral commission announces official results Sunday
A candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged winner of the by-election for the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, following official announcement of results on Sunday, 21 June 2026. The by-election was conducted across local government areas within the district in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria, after the seat became vacant earlier this year.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concluded collation late Saturday and declared the PDP candidate victorious after compiling votes from polling units across Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Tai, and Oyigbo LGAs. The win further cements PDP’s dominance in Rivers State politics amid ongoing contestations between Nigeria’s major parties.
The by-election attracted significant attention due to its potential to alter the balance of power at the National Assembly and within Rivers State. Political observers say that a strong turnout in traditional PDP strongholds contributed to the party’s success. The seat became vacant following the previous occupant’s resignation, prompting INEC to schedule the mid-term poll in line with national electoral laws.
INEC officials said the exercise was largely peaceful, with voting materials arriving on time and security agencies deployed to maintain order. The commission has yet to release full vote tallies or disclose competing candidates’ figures as at press time. No major incidents of violence or electoral malpractice were reported by officials during voting or collation.
The PDP has welcomed the outcome as a mandate for continuity and pledged to deliver quality representation. APC leaders are yet to issue a formal statement; opposition sources say they will review results before deciding on further action. With this victory, PDP is expected to consolidate its position ahead of subsequent elections in Rivers State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Honours Aare (Prof) Lai Labode with Special Father’s Day Toast in Lagos
Whisky brand presents engraved Blue Label bottle to Cash Token Africa chairman, highlighting his legacy in fashion and fatherhood
Whisky brand presents engraved Blue Label bottle to Cash Token Africa chairman, highlighting his legacy in fashion and fatherhood
Johnnie Walker Blue Label has recognised Aare (Prof) Lai Labode, founder and chairman of Cash Token Africa, with a specially engraved bottle to mark Father’s Day at an event held in Lagos on Friday. The gesture celebrates Labode’s multifaceted contributions as a business leader, fashion icon, and dedicated father.
Labode, who also serves as chairman of African Fashion Week Nigeria and is the mind behind the Egbaliganza fashion initiative, received the commemorative bottle as a tribute to the enduring values he represents both publicly and privately. The event underscored the importance of honouring not just professional achievements but also the personal sacrifices fathers make within their families.
According to Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencer & Advocacy for Diageo South, West & Central Africa, Johnnie Walker chose to celebrate Labode because his approach to life aligns with the brand’s philosophy. “At Johnnie Walker, we believe that the finest things in life are never rushed, and in Aare Lai Labode, we found a man whose life proves exactly that,” Agu said in a statement at the event.
Labode’s influence extends beyond business into literature; he is a published author with three volumes under the “Constellation of Thoughts” series. His role as a mentor and his quiet commitment to family were highlighted by organisers as qualities worthy of recognition on Father’s Day. While official opposition or additional reactions were not recorded during the event, attendees acknowledged that such gestures encourage public figures to model positive values.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is distributed nationwide by Celebr8-Lyfe PVT and is available at premium retail outlets across Nigeria. The company stated it will continue using such platforms to spotlight individuals whose personal journeys inspire progress and ambition among Nigerians.
Lagos-Based Zedcrest Securities Named Joint Stockbroker for Dangote Refinery IPO on Nigerian Exchange
PDP Candidate Wins Rivers South-East By-Election, Secures National Assembly Seat
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Honours Aare (Prof) Lai Labode with Special Father’s Day Toast in Lagos
Obasanjo, El-Rufai, Ibori Lead List as Children Take Up Political Mantle Across Nigeria
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