Ekiti 2026: Observers commend BVAS performance, raise concern over vote buying

The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub has commended the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the Ekiti governorship Election.

The hub, however, expressed concern over incidents of vote-buying, voter intimidation and ballot-paper irregularities.

The hub, comprising the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), made this known in a preliminary statement issued on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti.

According to the hub reports, 246 out of the 250 sampled polling units showed that INEC officials and election materials arrived early in most locations, with voting commencing by 8:30 a.m in 69 per cent of observed polling units.

It said that the BVAS recorded a 96 per cent functionality rate across polling units monitored, describing its performance as optimal.

It, however, noted discrepancies in election materials, including differences in the number of political parties listed on ballot papers and result sheets.

The hub also reported strong participation by women in the electoral process, noting that women served as polling officials, party agents and voters, while Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) participated actively with minimal accessibility challenges.

It noted the isolated incidences, including difficulties in capturing the biometrics of some elderly voters and the initial denial of priority voting to a nursing mother in Ifaki, Ido-Osi Local Government Area.

While describing the overall security situation as peaceful, it noted 24 incidents of violence across 10 local government areas and raised concerns over organised vote-buying activities and voter intimidation in nine LGAs.

The observers also commended the generally conducive environment for journalists but noted reports of restrictions on media access and movement in parts of Ikere, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti West and Ikole LGAs.

They urged INEC to ensure strict compliance with its guidelines on result management, including the prompt uploading of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and to replace malfunctioning BVAS machines where necessary.

They further called on security agencies, political parties, voters and the media to play their respective roles responsibly to safeguard the credibility of the election and ensure a peaceful conclusion of the electoral process.

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