ADO-EKITI, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has achieved a “marked and significant improvement” in election logistics for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, according to a leading independent monitoring group.
Samson Itodo, Executive Director of civil society organization Yiaga Africa, reported a dramatic shift in efficiency compared to the state’s previous poll in 2022. He revealed that more than 68% of polling stations were open by 07:30 local time—a major leap from just 27% four years ago. By mid-morning, voting and accreditation were successfully underway in 99% of monitored units. However, the logistical success has been overshadowed by “troubling” levels of vote-buying and scattered outbreaks of violence. Mr Itodo warned that the day’s high voter turnout could not yet be taken at face value. “We cannot say at this moment… whether this turnout that we see is either procured or is actually turnout based on the willful decision of voters,” he said, calling the widespread trading of cash for ballots a “missed opportunity” to clean up the electoral process.
Yiaga Africa’s observation hub also verified localized violence in known hotspots, specifically naming the Ikole, Oye, and Ilejemeje local government areas.
As the state moves into the critical result-collation phase, attention is turning to the performance of the eEC8A system—a new electronic results sheet transmitted directly via BVAS devices. Mr Itodo urged electoral officials to “uphold the principle of transparency” to ensure the peaceful start to the day is not derailed during the final count.
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