The British High Commission in Nigeria acknowledged Abiodun Oyebanji’s re-election as the Governor of Ekiti State while raising significant concerns regarding the June 20 polls. Although the mission acknowledged that the election was largely peaceful and a successful trial of the 2026 Electoral Act, they warned that major flaws undermined the legitimacy of the process.
Observers from the UK identified recurring issues including the purchasing of votes and persistent interference by political party representatives at polling stations. These actions were criticized for damaging public trust. Furthermore, technical malfunctions with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System caused voting delays, which the commission feared could suppress voter participation.
Accessibility for individuals with disabilities also emerged as a primary concern. While some sites offered priority access to vulnerable citizens, the mission reported that the majority of locations were not physically adapted for disabled voters. The British High Commission urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security services to rectify these operational failures before the upcoming Osun state elections and the 2027 general polls to ensure the long-term health of Nigeria’s democracy.
