The Centre for Democracy and Development Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) has described the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election as peaceful but marred by concerns over vote buying, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) failures, inconsistencies in election materials, and other procedural challenges.
In its preliminary statement released on Sunday, the CDD said its observers deployed across Ekiti State monitored key aspects of the electoral process, including the deployment of election officials and materials, accreditation, voting procedures, security arrangements, and the conduct of political actors.
The organisation commended voters, election officials, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their commitment to the democratic process, noting that the election was conducted in a largely calm atmosphere with no widespread cases of violence or voter intimidation.
It reported INEC officials and election materials arrived early in many polling units, enabling voting to commence on time in several locations. However, it noted isolated cases of delayed deployment, including a polling unit in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area where election officials were not present shortly after the scheduled commencement of voting.
The group also raised concerns over inconsistencies in sensitive electoral materials, stating that ballot papers used during the election reportedly listed 19 political parties, while result sheets contained 15 political parties, despite INEC’s final candidate list recognising 14 candidates.
It further disclosed that at Court Hall, PU 008, Ilawe Ward 007, Ekiti South Local Government Area, some ballot papers were initially issued without the required stamps and signatures before the issue was corrected by an INEC official.
On accreditation, the observation team said several polling units experienced temporary disruptions due to BVAS malfunctions, affecting the voting process in parts of Ado-Ekiti, Oye, and other areas.
The group noted that elderly voters were among those affected by BVAS challenges, which delayed accreditation and voting activities in some polling units.
While acknowledging the presence of security personnel across the state, observers did not record widespread incidents of violence, harassment, or voter intimidation during the exercise.
However, the organisation expressed concern over cases of vote buying and voter inducement involving party agents. It said observers documented instances where voters were reportedly offered about ₦10,000 after voting in exchange for their support.
According to CDD, such incidents were recorded in some polling units across Gbonyin, Ode-Ekiti, and Ikere Local Government Areas, involving agents linked to major political parties.
The group also raised concerns about interference by party agents at some polling units, including improper assistance of voters, accompanying voters to ballot boxes, and disputes between party representatives.
In one case, it was reported that an argument between APC and PDP agents in Gbonyin Local Government Area escalated into a physical confrontation following disagreements over assistance given to an elderly voter.