The Ekiti State governorship election 2026 is underway, with voters across the 16 local government areas casting their ballots to elect the next governor. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deployed officials to oversee the process, and results are being collated from various polling units and wards.
Voting Process and Turnout
Polling units opened at 8:00 AM across the state, with accreditation and voting proceeding simultaneously. Early reports indicate a moderate turnout, with long queues observed in some urban centers like Ado Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti. Security personnel were stationed at strategic locations to ensure order.
According to INEC officials, the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been largely smooth, with only a few isolated cases of malfunction reported. These were quickly resolved by technical support teams.
Results from Polling Units
As of 2:00 PM, results from several polling units have been posted online by INEC through its Results Viewing Portal (IReV). In Ward 5, Unit 3 of Ado Ekiti, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate secured 120 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate got 95 votes. In Ikole Local Government Area, Unit 7 reported 85 votes for APC and 70 for PDP.
Other parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Labour Party (LP), have also recorded votes, though significantly lower. The SDP candidate has 15 votes in Unit 3 of Ado Ekiti, while LP has 10.
Collation and Verification
Collation is ongoing at ward and local government levels. INEC has assured that all results will be transmitted electronically to ensure transparency. Party agents are present at collation centers to verify the results.
Speaking to journalists, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, Dr. Tella Adeniyi, said: “We are committed to a free and fair election. All results will be uploaded to the IReV portal for public viewing. Any irregularities will be investigated.”
Reactions and Observations
Political parties have expressed mixed reactions. The APC campaign office issued a statement praising the process so far, while the PDP has raised concerns about alleged vote buying in some areas. The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the arrest of two individuals for attempting to induce voters with cash.
Civil society organizations, including the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), have deployed observers across the state. Preliminary reports indicate that the election has been largely peaceful, with minor incidents.
Key Contenders
The main contenders are the APC candidate, Biodun Oyebanji (incumbent), and the PDP candidate, Bisi Kolawole. Other candidates include the SDP’s Oluwole Oluyede and the LP’s Ranti Adebayo. The election is seen as a test of the APC’s performance in the state, which has been under its control since 2018.
By 5:00 PM, voting had closed in most units, and counting began. Official results are expected to be announced within 48 hours. Stay tuned for more updates as they come in.
