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)
Edo Police Arrest Kidnap Gang, Recover ₦4.5 Million and Weapons in Benin City Abduction
Governor Okpebholo pledges special courts for kidnapping cases after suspect claims security chief supplied firearms
Governor Okpebholo pledges special courts for kidnapping cases after suspect claims security chief supplied firearms
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested suspected members of a kidnapping gang in Benin City, recovering over ₦4.5 million in cash, firearms, and a Lexus SUV following the abduction of a woman at the city’s Vegetable Market on 14 June. The operation, which led to the death of one suspect during a gun battle, was confirmed by Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika on Thursday.
According to police accounts and video evidence from the scene, the gang—comprising four men—carried out a daylight attack using an RX 350 Lexus SUV. They targeted a parked vehicle at the market, shooting its tyre before dragging out two occupants. While the male victim managed to escape, the female was pursued and eventually abducted by the attackers.
One of the suspects, Marvellous Isaac (32), told investigators that his group sourced their weapons from a community security chief in Oredo Local Government Area identified as Liberty. Isaac claimed that fellow gang member Precious—who was killed during police operations—facilitated contact with Liberty and that the security chief received ₦1.5 million from the ₦8 million ransom paid by the victim’s family. Isaac also said that firearms rented from Liberty were used by multiple groups in Benin City.
Commissioner Agbonika stated that intelligence-led efforts by the command’s Intelligence Response Team led to several arrests and the recovery of ₦2.25 million cash believed to be part of the ransom, another ₦2.25 million from crime proceeds, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle and the SUV used in the abduction. He confirmed that investigations into alleged internal sabotage and collusion among local security personnel are ongoing.
Governor Monday Okpebholo (APC) commended security agencies for their swift action during a briefing on Thursday and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting kidnapping and violent crime in Edo State (South-South). The governor announced plans to establish special courts dedicated to handling kidnapping and cultism cases for faster prosecution and sentencing. The state government says it will also review community security structures following allegations against local chiefs.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti State Records High Deployment of Voting Materials, Security Ahead of 2026 Polls — Yiaga Africa
Yiaga Africa observes increased presence of electoral materials and security operatives across major Ekiti local governments ahead of governorship election.
Yiaga Africa observes increased presence of electoral materials and security operatives across major Ekiti local governments ahead of governorship election.
Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, has reported a significant deployment of voting materials and security personnel across various local government areas in Ekiti State on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election. The group stated that this increased deployment was observed in several parts of the state as at the weekend.
According to Yiaga Africa, the distribution process for sensitive and non-sensitive election materials commenced early, with most polling units in Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, Oye, and other LGAs receiving their allocations before midday. Security operatives—including police officers and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel—were also stationed at key distribution centres to ensure safe passage and prevent disruptions.
The high level of preparation comes amid heightened public interest in the Ekiti governorship contest, which observers say is a litmus test for Nigeria’s South-West zone ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yiaga Africa noted that timely deployment is critical to minimising delays that have previously marred voting processes in the region.
In its preliminary assessment, Yiaga Africa described the logistics so far as “commendable” but urged authorities to sustain momentum through to election day. “Early arrival of materials will boost voter confidence and help INEC maintain credibility,” the group said in its report released on Saturday. No major opposition party statement had been issued regarding logistics as at press time.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to continue monitoring logistics while security agencies maintain patrols across Ekiti State. Stakeholders are hopeful that improved deployment will translate into a smooth and credible electoral process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
BVAS Device Fails to Verify Some Voters in Ikere, Delays Accreditation Process
Technical hitches reported at several polling units as voters in Ikere, Ekiti State, face verification setbacks
Technical hitches reported at several polling units as voters in Ikere, Ekiti State, face verification setbacks
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) experienced technical issues in Ikere, Ekiti State, on Saturday, leading to difficulties in verifying the faces of some voters during the accreditation process. The incident occurred as residents arrived at various polling units to participate in ongoing electoral activities.
According to reports from the scene, electoral officers struggled with the BVAS device as it failed to recognise the facial features of several eligible voters. Some affected individuals were forced to wait for extended periods while officials attempted multiple scans or explored alternative verification methods.
The BVAS device is a key component of Nigeria’s electoral reforms, designed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve transparency and reduce incidents of impersonation and multiple voting. Its failure at polling units in Ikere raises fresh concerns about the readiness and reliability of election technology ahead of major polls.
While INEC officials onsite assured voters that efforts were being made to resolve the glitches, some residents expressed frustration over delays caused by the malfunctioning equipment. As at press time, there was no official statement from INEC headquarters regarding the scope or cause of the technical fault.
Election observers are expected to issue further updates on how these BVAS challenges may affect voter turnout and the overall credibility of results from Ikere. The situation underscores ongoing logistical hurdles faced in deploying digital accreditation tools across Nigeria’s diverse electoral landscape.
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