Ekiti Governorship Poll: Situation Room Flags BVAS Hitches, Vote Buying, Polling Unit Access Issues 

By Joseph Sunday 

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has released an interim report on Saturday’s Ekiti State Governorship Election, noting early deployment of materials but raising concerns over inadequate staffing, BVAS malfunctions, and voter inducement across 16 Local Government Areas.

According to the report signed by Co-Conveners Celestine Odo and Mma Odi, INEC officials and materials arrived early, with an average polling unit arrival time of 7:30am. However, several polling units had insufficient election officials, leading to polling agents stepping in to assist — a breach of procedure.

While the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) worked in most areas, observers documented malfunctions in some units that delayed accreditation and voting. The most common issue was failed facial authentication for elderly voters. INEC’s response to the BVAS problems was described as slow.

The Situation Room also highlighted accessibility problems. Some voters could not locate their polling units after INEC relocations. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and elderly voters struggled to access certain units, with some voting cubicles placed near staircases or positioned in ways that compromised ballot secrecy. A few polling units were illegally sited in front of private residences. Partner group TAF Africa noted several Ado-Ekiti units lacked disability-inclusive resources.

Incidents of vote buying were reported in Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, and Gboyin LGAs. Observers said some voters received hand-bands after casting ballots, which were later exchanged for rewards. Polling agents were also seen directing INEC officials and helping voters cast ballots, violating voting secrecy.

Security deployment was described as sufficient and early, with CLEEN Foundation confirming officers were civil, identifiable, and wore name tags. However, the Situation Room said security personnel were largely inactive in enforcing regulations when agents were seen inducing voters.

Voting was scheduled to end at 2:30pm. The Situation Room said it would continue monitoring the process.