Election monitoring organization Yiaga Africa has verified that the official outcomes released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial contest reflect its own parallel count. Despite this verification, the group expressed significant alarm regarding pervasive vote trading and discrepancies in voter participation metrics.
During a briefing in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, the organization stated that its Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) system confirmed that the votes tallied by INEC at polling units were accurate. Yiaga Africa praised the commission for better logistical execution, citing the timely arrival of staff and materials, as well as a peaceful environment throughout the voting process.
Nevertheless, the report identified several problems, including frequent instances of voter bribery, inadequate safeguarding of sensitive electoral materials, and confusing communication regarding late-stage judicial and administrative updates. Specifically, Yiaga Africa noted a turnout estimate of 34.1%–38.2%, whereas INEC reported 38.7%. The group suggests INEC may have relied on outdated 2022 voter registration data rather than the updated 2026 records.
Yiaga Africa urged INEC to explain these turnout inconsistencies and enhance quality controls for future elections, including the 2027 general polls. Furthermore, the group called on security forces to prioritize the prevention of voter intimidation and bribery, while advising political parties to better educate their agents on legal guidelines. The organization concluded that although the administration of the election saw improvements, issues like vote buying and the misuse of state resources continue to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
