CDD-EAC Preliminary Statement On the 2026 Ekiti State Off-Cycle Governorship Election
CDD-EAC PRELIMINARY STATEMENT ON THE 2026 EKITI STATE OFF-CYCLE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), through its Election Analysis Centre (EAC), closely observed the conduct of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election that took place yesterday, Saturday, 20 June 2026. Through a network of accredited observers deployed across the state, CDD-EAC is monitoring critical aspects of the electoral process, including the deployment of election officials and materials, voter accreditation and voting procedures, security deployment, compliance with electoral guidelines, and the conduct of political actors.
This preliminary statement provides an initial assessment of the electoral process based on reports received from CDD-EAC observers and other verified sources as of the time of release. It is intended to provide timely insights into the conduct of the election while recognising that the process remains ongoing. A more comprehensive assessment will be presented in CDD-EAC’s final report following the completion of voting, collation, and the declaration of results.
CDD commends the commitment demonstrated by voters, election officials, security agencies, and other stakeholders to the democratic process, and urges all actors to uphold peace, transparency, and respect for the rule of law throughout the remainder of the electoral process.
Executive Summary
CDD-EAC’s preliminary observations indicate that the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election was conducted in a generally peaceful atmosphere, with early deployment of election officials and voting materials recorded in many polling units across the state. Security personnel were visibly present, and observers did not report widespread incidents of voter intimidation or violence.
However, the election was also characterised by operational and procedural shortcomings, including inconsistencies in sensitive election materials, incidents of BVAS malfunction, cases of unstamped ballot papers, and widespread allegations of vote buying and voter inducement involving party agents. CDD-EAC also observed misinformation and disinformation narratives capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
While voter enthusiasm was evident in several locations, turnout appeared lower than expected in many polling units relative to the number of registered voters assigned to them. CDD-EAC urges all stakeholders, particularly INEC, political parties, security agencies, and anti-corruption institutions, to address the identified gaps and uphold the integrity of the electoral process as collation and result declaration continue.
Key Findings
Opening of Polls, Logistics, and Institutional Preparedness
Reports from CDD-EAC observers indicate that INEC officials and ad hoc staff generally arrived early at polling units to commence preparatory activities ahead of accreditation and voting. In several locations, election materials were delivered on time, enabling the process to commence early.
Pre-election statistics indicating a 97.1 percent Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate suggested strong voter interest in the election. In many polling units, observers reported that election officials and materials arrived as early as 7:00 a.m.
However, isolated cases of delayed deployment were recorded. At Olubobokun Unit 12, Ward A, in Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, observers reported the absence of INEC officials as of 8:44 a.m., prompting concerned voters to appeal for intervention.
CDD-EAC also observed concerning inconsistencies in sensitive election materials. Specifically, ballot papers listed 19 political parties, while Form EC8A (result sheets) contained only 15 political parties. This discrepancy contradicts the final list of candidates published by INEC, which recognised 14 candidates for the election.
At Court Hall, PU 008, Ilawe Ward 007, in Ekiti South LGA, INEC ad hoc staff issued ballot papers to voters without first stamping and signing them. The issue was later identified and corrected by a Registration Area Supervisor deployed from INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
Accreditation and Voting Process
CDD-EAC observers reported several cases of malfunctioning Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, resulting in temporary disruptions to accreditation and voting in some polling units.
Such incidents were observed at Olaoluwa Muslim Grammar School, PU 013, Ward 013, Ado-Ekiti LGA. BVAS failures also affected the accreditation of several elderly voters, including at PU 007, Ado “J” Okesa, in front of Fajuyi House; PU 012, Ejigbo Farm 1, Ward 11, in Oye LGA; and PU 018, in front of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti.
Observers also noted isolated incidents of procedural violations involving party agents interfering with the voting process and improperly assisting voters.
Security Environment
CDD-EAC acknowledges the deployment of security personnel across the state and their contribution to maintaining a generally peaceful and orderly voting environment.
Prior to the election, reports indicated that approximately 10,000 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) would be deployed for election duties. While this figure could not be independently verified on election day, observers noted a substantial presence of security operatives across the state. The Nigeria Police Force also maintained a visibly strong presence in many polling areas.
Despite the scale of deployment, CDD-EAC observers did not report widespread incidents of intimidation, harassment, or violence across polling units.
Voter Turnout
While CDD-EAC cannot independently verify the overall voter turnout across the state at this stage, polling unit-level observations suggest that many residents of Ekiti State demonstrated enthusiasm and optimism about participating in the election.
However, turnout appeared significantly lower than expected in several polling units relative to the number of registered voters assigned to them. For example, in Polling Units 08 and 14 in Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, with 341 and 451 registered voters respectively, fewer than 100 voters had cast their ballots at the time of observation. Similar trends were observed at PU 010, Opposite Cocoa Store/Ajipondo.
Conduct of Political Parties and Party Agents
CDD-EAC observed generally low and uneven party agent presence across polling units. In locations where party agents were present, many appeared discouraged by logistical challenges and prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions.
At Okerema Camp/Oke Epa, PU 002, an Accord Party agent reportedly abandoned the polling unit before the commencement of result counting.
Other incidents observed include:
At Emure LGA, PU 006, Area Code 07, near Ogundare House/Imesi, a party agent was repeatedly warned by a police officer for improperly assisting voters.
At Agbado Unit 09, Ward 06, Gbonyin LGA, an argument between APC and PDP agents escalated into a physical altercation after disagreement over assistance provided to an elderly voter.
In Ijero LGA, Ijero Ward D, PU 005, allegations of multiple voting involving an APC supporter generated tension among party agents and voters.
At Ikole LGA, Ward 03, PU 014, party agents were observed interfering with electoral procedures despite efforts by security personnel to restore order.
At PU 014, Ward 03, Ikole East, party agents reportedly accompanied voters to the ballot box and distributed tally slips linked to inducement schemes.
Vote Buying and Electoral Inducement
CDD-EAC observers documented several incidents of vote buying and voter inducement involving party agents affiliated with major political parties.
At Agbado Ward 06, PU 015, in Gbonyin LGA, voters were reportedly directed to a nearby room after casting their ballots, where they received cash payments of approximately ₦10,000 in exchange for their votes.
Similarly, at Open Space, Odo Egbe, Ode-Ekiti Ward 04, Unit 04, suspected vote-buying activities involving agents of both the APC and PDP were observed. Voters reportedly received approximately ₦10,000 after indirectly confirming their voting preferences to party operatives, who then signalled accomplices stationed nearby to make payments.
In addition, at Polling Unit 07, Aisegba II Ward 08, Gbonyin LGA, a vote-buying operation was reportedly conducted in a nearby building where voters allegedly received ₦10,000 from APC agents after voting.
At Ajoleyin Ogun Hall, Unit 006, Ikere LGA, observers also reported vote-buying activities involving multiple political parties, including the distribution of tally slips linked to post-voting payments.
CDD-EAC notes with concern the apparent absence of officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) across many PUs, despite the Commission’s statutory responsibility to monitor and prosecute election-related financial inducement and vote trading.
Information Disorder and Misinformation
CDD-West Africa continued to monitor the information environment surrounding the Ekiti State governorship election and observed a significant spread of misinformation and disinformation before and during the polls.
CDD-West Africa fact-checked claims alleging election-related violence linked to a police station reportedly burnt in Isan-Ekiti. Findings showed that the incident was unrelated to the election and instead stemmed from an altercation connected to a local football match.
Observers also tracked false or misleading claims relating to voter inducement and alleged withdrawal or non-participation of some candidates, including the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). These narratives appeared designed to discourage voter participation and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
CDD-West Africa also observed instances where authentic content was stripped of context or selectively amplified in ways capable of casting doubt on the credibility of the election.
Counting, Collation, and Post-Voting Process
CDD-EAC observed an unusual irregularity during the sorting and counting of ballot papers at Okerepa Camp/Oke Epa, PU 002, Ado “M” Farm Settlement Ward, Ado-Ekiti LGA, where the total number of votes cast (102) exceeded the number of voters accredited by the BVAS (100).
Further inspection revealed that two ballot paper sheets bore identical serial numbers, while another ballot paper sheet had no serial number. The discrepancy was identified and documented by election officials and observers during the counting process.
CDD-EAC will continue to closely monitor the collation process and the management of election results across the state.
Accessibility and Location of Polling Units
CDD-EAC notes that many polling units remain poorly located and inaccessible, despite repeated recommendations from previous election observation exercises.
Several polling units were situated too close to major roads, leaving inadequate space for orderly voter queues and election administration. Of particular concern was the location of some polling units near open drainage systems, making access especially difficult for persons with disabilities and elderly voters.
Observers also noted uneven distribution of polling units in some areas, with clusters of polling units located close together in certain locations while others were situated far apart, potentially limiting voter accessibility.
Positive Observations
CDD-EAC observed several positive developments during the election.
One notable development was the deployment of INEC back-up technical and supervisory teams from Abuja, who were seen responding promptly to operational challenges in multiple locations. Their interventions were instrumental in resolving issues relating to unstamped ballot papers and malfunctioning BVAS devices.
CDD-EAC also notes positively the non-deployment of military personnel during the election, contributing to a less militarised and relatively calm electoral environment.
Conclusion
CDD-EAC commends the people of Ekiti State and all stakeholders for their continued commitment to democratic governance and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
While the election was generally peaceful, the operational shortcomings, procedural inconsistencies, and incidents of vote buying observed by CDD-EAC raise important concerns regarding electoral integrity and compliance with established guidelines.
The Centre therefore calls on INEC to urgently clarify the inconsistencies observed in the number of political parties reflected in election materials used during the exercise. CDD-EAC also urges security agencies and relevant anti-corruption institutions to strengthen efforts to combat vote trading and enforce electoral laws.
CDD-EAC will continue to monitor the collation process and announcement of results and hopes that the operational challenges identified during this election will be addressed ahead of future electoral exercises, particularly the forthcoming Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
SIGNED
Dauda Garuba, PhD.
Director,
CDD-West Africa
For media enquiries or conference participation, please contact Faridha Salihu-Lukman, Communications Officer (fslukman@cddwestafrica.org or +234 (0) 810 625 9235). Press statements are also available at www.cddwestafrica.org/press-releases, and other reports cited and referenced are available at www.cddwestafrica.org. CDD-West Africa is available on social media platforms with the handle @CDDWestAfrica.