By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), through its Election Analysis Centre (EAC), has commended the people of Ekiti State, election officials, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their commitment to democratic governance and peaceful participation in the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election.
In its preliminary assessment of the off-cycle governorship poll conducted on Saturday, June 20, 2026, the CDD-EAC noted that the election was largely peaceful, with the early deployment of election personnel and materials across many polling units, as well as a visible security presence that helped maintain order throughout the exercise.
However, the organisation expressed concern over several operational and procedural shortcomings that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
These included inconsistencies in sensitive election materials, malfunctioning Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, cases of unstamped ballot papers, and widespread allegations of vote-buying and voter inducement involving party agents.
According to the report, one of the most notable discrepancies observed was the inconsistency in the number of political parties reflected on election materials. While ballot papers listed 19 political parties, Form EC8A result sheets contained 15 parties, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having officially recognised 14 candidates for the election.
CDD-EAC also documented several incidents of vote-buying across the state. In some polling areas, voters were reportedly offered cash payments of about ₦10,000 after casting their ballots.
The organisation noted that party agents from major political parties were allegedly involved in inducement schemes aimed at influencing voter behaviour.
The group further expressed concern over the apparent absence of officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in many polling units despite the agency’s statutory role in combating election-related financial crimes and vote trading.
On voter turnout, CDD-EAC observed that although voter enthusiasm was evident in several locations, turnout appeared lower than expected in many polling units when compared with the number of registered voters assigned to those centres.
The report also highlighted isolated incidents involving party agents interfering with electoral procedures, allegations of multiple voting, and disagreements between party representatives that occasionally escalated into tension at polling units.
Despite these challenges, the organisation praised INEC’s deployment of backup technical and supervisory teams from Abuja, whose interventions reportedly helped resolve issues related to BVAS malfunctions and unstamped ballot papers. CDD-EAC also welcomed the non-deployment of military personnel, describing it as a factor that contributed to a calmer and less militarised electoral environment.
The organisation additionally raised concerns about misinformation and disinformation surrounding the election, noting that false claims relating to election violence, candidate participation, and voter inducement circulated before and during the polls with the potential to undermine confidence in the electoral process.
CDD-EAC called on INEC to urgently clarify the inconsistencies observed in election materials and urged security agencies and anti-corruption institutions to intensify efforts to curb vote-buying and ensure strict enforcement of electoral laws.
The organisation stated that it would continue monitoring the collation and declaration of results and expressed hope that the operational challenges identified during the Ekiti governorship election would be addressed ahead of future elections, particularly the forthcoming Osun State governorship poll and the 2027 general elections.
The preliminary statement was jointly signed by Dr. Dauda Garuba, Director of CDD-West Africa, and Professor Victor Adetula, Chair of the Election Analysis Centre (EAC).
