Ekiti 2026: Observers Urge Real-Time Result Upload, Flag Disinformation Risks 

By Joseph Sunday  

ADO-EKITI — With Ekiti State’s off-cycle governorship election set for Saturday, June 20, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub has released its final pre-election assessment, urging INEC to prioritize transparency and warning against disinformation.

The Hub — comprising The Kukah Centre, Yiaga Africa, TAF Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre, ElectHER, and the Centre for Media and Society — confirmed it has deployed observers across Ekiti’s 16 LGAs. This statement updates its earlier report from May 25, 2026.

Why This Election Matters:

The Hub stressed that the poll carries national significance. It is the first major governorship election under the new Electoral Act 2026, INEC Regulations and Guidelines 2026, and INEC Manual for Election Officials 2026. The election will test reforms designed to boost credibility and transparency.

Thirteen parties will contest across 2,445 polling units. INEC data shows 1,059,360 registered voters, with 1,028,929 PVCs collected — a 97.1% collection rate.

Political Climate:

According to the Hub, most candidates have largely honored the May 21 Peace Accord signed under the National Peace Committee. Campaigns have been generally orderly, with only isolated incidents of misconduct. However, recent political realignments have raised tensions.

Party agents are expected at all polling units and collation centres. The Hub urged them and all political actors to reject vote-buying, thuggery, and disinformation, and to allow voters to cast ballots without fear or coercion.

INEC Readiness:

INEC has completed eight of nine pre-election activities, with polling day the only task remaining. The commission has deployed national commissioners and RECs to Ekiti, distributed sensitive and non-sensitive materials, configured BVAS machines, trained ad-hoc staff, and secured logistics with transport unions. Priority voting for vulnerable persons and assistive devices for PWDs are also in place.

A mock accreditation tested BVAS functionality, but result transmission to the IReV portal was not included. The Hub noted low turnout for the mock as a concern for public awareness. It called on INEC to remain neutral, ensure timely deployment, and guarantee real-time electronic transmission of validated polling unit results.

Security and Inclusion Risks:

While the atmosphere is calmer than in past elections, the Hub flagged specific risks. Ado-Ekiti remains vulnerable to urban electoral violence, while Ikole, Moba, and Ilejemeje LGAs face threats from cross-border crime, including kidnapping.

Security agencies have been deployed under a joint operational order, with the Police as lead agency. The Hub urged professionalism, impartiality, and intelligence-led operations to curb vote trading.

On inclusion, the Hub raised concerns about limited provisions for women and persons with disabilities. It cited risks of economic coercion targeting rural women and mobility barriers for PWDs due to movement restrictions. It called for targeted voter education on assistive devices.

Vote-Buying and Disinformation:

Reports persist of inducements involving cash, food, and other items. The Hub cited allegations in Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ikole, Ikere, Ekiti East, and Ekiti West LGAs of pre-credited bank accounts offered in exchange for PVC and NIN details. Intimidation by political thugs was also reported in Ado Ekiti, Ikole, and Oye LGAs.

Online misinformation is spreading, including unverified claims that cloned PVCs are being used to pre-determine votes. The Hub warned such narratives increase tension and erode trust.

Key Recommendations:

The Hub issued 17 recommendations to stakeholders:

INEC:

• Ensure timely material distribution for 8:00 a.m. poll opening   

• Confirm BVAS devices are tested and fully charged   

• Transmit polling unit results to IReV in real time   

• Activate Situation Room and ISANS  

• Announce results transparently at all collation levels  

Political Parties:

• Honor the Peace Accord

• Accept INEC’s declared results and pursue legal redress for grievances   

• Reject vote-buying and thuggery  

Security Agencies  

• Maintain neutrality   

• Avoid excessive militarization   

• Respond proportionately to incidents of violence  

Media:

• Verify information before publishing   

• Avoid announcing unofficial results   

• Adopt conflict-sensitive reporting   

• Report threats against journalists  

Voters  

• Arrive at polling units by 8:30 a.m.   

• Vote without inducement   

• Report malpractice to INEC, security, or observers.

The Hub described the election as a “dress rehearsal for the 2027 general election” and urged all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles. It noted that the 97.1% PVC collection rate reflects strong voter readiness, which must not be undermined by violence, hardship, or lack of confidence.