Observers praise BVAS performance in Ekiti 2026, but warn of vote buying

The EU‑SDGN Election Observation Hub praised the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the Ekiti governorship election.

At the same time, the hub raised concerns about incidents of vote‑buying, voter intimidation and irregularities on ballot papers.

The hub, which includes 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 these observations in a preliminary statement issued on Saturday in Ado‑Ekiti.

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

The BVAS recorded a 96 percent functionality rate across the monitored polling units, which the hub described as optimal performance.

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

The hub also highlighted strong participation by women, who served as polling officials, party agents and voters, and noted that persons with disabilities (PWDs) participated actively with minimal accessibility challenges.

It recorded isolated incidents, such as difficulties capturing biometrics for some elderly voters and an initial denial of priority voting to a nursing mother in Ifaki, Ido‑Osi Local Government Area.

While describing the overall security situation as peaceful, the hub reported 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 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 enforce strict compliance with its result‑management guidelines, 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 perform their respective roles responsibly to safeguard the credibility of the election and ensure a peaceful conclusion of the electoral process.

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