Nigeria News (Standard)
Yiaga Africa Confirms INEC Ekiti Poll Results, Flags Widespread Vote Buying
Observer group validates official outcome but urges authorities to tackle electoral malpractice as vote trading persists in South-West state
Observer group validates official outcome but urges authorities to tackle electoral malpractice as vote trading persists in South-West state
Yiaga Africa has confirmed the official results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the recent governorship election in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria, but raised alarm over widespread incidents of vote buying during the exercise. The group made this known on Sunday, following its independent observation of the poll.
According to Yiaga Africa, its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) data matched the final figures released by INEC, indicating that the official results reflect votes cast at polling units across Ekiti. However, the organisation expressed serious concern about patterns of financial inducement observed at various locations during voting.
The confirmation from Yiaga Africa comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral process and repeated calls for reforms to curb malpractice. Vote buying has remained a persistent challenge in recent elections across the country, with stakeholders warning it undermines the credibility of democratic institutions and disenfranchises voters who refuse inducements.
While commending INEC for improvements in logistics and result transmission, Yiaga Africa said urgent action is needed from law enforcement agencies and political parties to address vote trading and ensure future elections are free from undue influence. The group also called on citizens to resist attempts to sway their votes through monetary offers.
INEC has yet to respond publicly to Yiaga Africa’s findings on vote buying. Political observers say the latest reports could increase pressure on both federal and state authorities to prosecute offenders and strengthen safeguards ahead of upcoming elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Declares Oyebanji Winner of Ekiti Governorship Election With 319,224 Votes
APC incumbent secures second term as PDP’s Wole Oluyede trails with over 278,000 votes in South-West state
APC incumbent secures second term as PDP’s Wole Oluyede trails with over 278,000 votes in South-West state
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, June 19th. The announcement was made in Ado-Ekiti by INEC’s Chief Returning Officer, Professor Adenike Oladiji, after collation of results from all sixteen local government areas.
According to Professor Oladiji, Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 40,543 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Oluwadare Bejide, came third with 12,872 votes. The Returning Officer stated that Oyebanji satisfied all constitutional and electoral requirements and was therefore returned elected for a second term in office.
Oyebanji’s victory reaffirms APC’s hold on Ekiti State and signals continuity in governance for the South-West region. The election was closely monitored by stakeholders amid expectations of improved service delivery and development initiatives in the state. With a margin of over 278,000 votes separating APC and PDP candidates, observers noted the wide voter support for the incumbent.
Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Governor Oyebanji described his re-election as a renewed mandate to serve Ekiti people. “I have a proper understanding of the responsibility that this victory has placed on my shoulders. It is a responsibility of service to the people of Ekiti State,” he said in his post-election statement. He pledged that his administration would continue to pursue its development agenda with courage and compassion, while remaining open to new ideas and emerging priorities.
Oyebanji further assured residents that government would prioritise programmes aimed at ending poverty and inequality across the state. “We have a development guide, and we will continue to faithfully implement that plan. At the same time, if there are new issues or areas that require attention, we will review them and ensure they are accommodated,” he said.
With INEC’s declaration now official, attention shifts to how Governor Oyebanji will consolidate on existing projects and address fresh challenges facing Ekiti State during his second term. As at Sunday evening, there had been no formal response from opposition PDP leadership regarding the outcome.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Investors Embrace iWorld’s Residency and Citizenship Programme Amid Growing Global Mobility Demand
International legal firm iWorld offers Nigerians tailored investment migration options as families seek secure alternatives abroad
International legal firm iWorld offers Nigerians tailored investment migration options as families seek secure alternatives abroad
Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors in Lagos are increasingly turning to international legal firm iWorld for secure pathways to residency and citizenship by investment, as at Friday, 21 June. The trend reflects a growing desire among business owners and families to access global markets, quality education, and long-term capital planning through structured migration programmes.
According to information from iWorld, the firm operates as a specialist in investment migration, corporate structuring, and financial services, with more than 15 years’ experience and a team of over 120 lawyers and experts. Their offering stands out by focusing on critical client needs such as programme suitability, application authorisation, documentation requirements, source of funds review, and distinguishing between marketing claims and official government decisions.
The increasing demand for residency by investment (RBI) and citizenship by investment (CBI) among Nigerians is driven by the search for stronger banking infrastructure abroad, security for families, and enhanced access to new markets. These programmes are no longer viewed as mere standalone products but have become integral to personal and business strategies for high-net-worth individuals.
iWorld said its advisory approach goes beyond basic comparisons by helping clients navigate complex requirements. The company claims access to over 100 immigration programmes globally, offering Nigerian clients multiple options tailored to their specific goals. “The most valuable advisor is not the one making the loudest promises but the one able to answer the questions that truly matter,” iWorld stated.
With a rising number of Nigerians exploring offshore opportunities due to economic uncertainties at home—including naira depreciation and changing banking regulations—experts believe firms like iWorld will play an increasing role in facilitating legal migration solutions. Prospective investors are advised to seek proper legal guidance before embarking on any RBI or CBI process.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/iworld-for-nigerian-investors/
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Declares APC’s Asogwa Winner of Enugu North By-Election
Victory consolidates APC presence in Enugu North as electoral commission concludes collation for June 2026 by-poll
Victory consolidates APC presence in Enugu North as electoral commission concludes collation for June 2026 by-poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asogwa, as the winner of the Enugu North federal constituency by-election. The announcement was made in Enugu State on Sunday, 21 June 2026, after INEC officials concluded collation of results from polling units across the constituency.
According to INEC, Asogwa secured the highest number of valid votes cast during the by-election, surpassing his rivals from other political parties. The process began early Sunday morning with electoral officers and party agents present at designated collation centres to oversee tallying and verification.
The by-election was conducted to fill a vacant seat in the House of Representatives for Enugu North federal constituency. The vacancy arose following a previous court ruling that nullified the earlier occupant’s election, prompting INEC to organise this fresh contest. The outcome is significant for APC, which has been aiming to strengthen its influence in Enugu State and across Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone.
INEC officials said the election was generally peaceful with voter turnout considered moderate compared to previous general elections in the area. As at press time, there were no official reports of violence or major disruptions from polling units. Party agents at the collation centre commended INEC for conducting a transparent process.
With this victory, Asogwa is expected to receive his Certificate of Return from INEC in coming days before being sworn in at the House of Representatives. Political observers say APC’s win could impact future calculations ahead of forthcoming elections in Enugu State.
