EU‑SDGN urges INEC to transmit results in real time and curb vote‑buying in Ekiti poll

The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU‑SDGN) Election Observation Hub has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit polling unit results in real time and to strengthen measures against vote‑buying ahead of Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election.

Speaking to accredited journalists, the hub highlighted the importance of transparency, professionalism and accountability among all electoral stakeholders to ensure a credible, peaceful and inclusive election.

It called on INEC to complete the timely deployment of sensitive election materials, to guarantee that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices are fully configured and operational, to activate its election situation room, and to announce results transparently at every stage of the collation process.

The organisation also urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process, warning against excessive militarisation that could intimidate voters and discourage participation.

It further advised security operatives to adopt intelligence‑led operations to tackle vote‑buying, electoral violence and other electoral offences before, during and after the election.

The EU‑SDGN Observation Hub called on political parties and candidates to honour the peace accord they previously signed by rejecting vote‑buying, voter intimidation, fake news and the use of political thugs.

Media outlets were urged to verify information before publication, avoid spreading misinformation and refrain from announcing election results from unofficial sources.

The group encouraged eligible voters to arrive at their polling units by 8:30 a.m., to cast their votes according to their conscience, and to report incidents of violence, vote‑buying or other electoral malpractices to the appropriate authorities.

Describing the Ekiti governorship election as a critical test of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 and a dress rehearsal for the 2027 general election, the organisation urged all stakeholders to work collectively to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.