Yiaga Africa has confirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s, INEC, official results for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election align with its own independent tally, but the group raised red flags over widespread vote buying and inconsistencies in voter turnout data.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, the election observer group said its Process and Results Verification for Transparency, PRVT, methodology showed that INEC’s declared results matched ballots counted at polling units.
Yiaga Africa commended INEC for improvements in logistics and conduct, including early deployment of materials and personnel, prompt accreditation and voting, and a generally peaceful atmosphere across the state.
However, the group highlighted key concerns: rampant voter inducement, weak management of sensitive materials, poor public communication on late administrative and judicial decisions, and turnout figures that don’t add up.
“The numbers: Yiaga’s statistical projections estimated the All Progressives Congress (APC) at 83.9–87.1% of votes, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at 8.5–11.7%, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at 2.9–4.1%. All fell within INEC’s announced results.
“The turnout gap: Yiaga’s estimated turnout was 34.1–38.2%, while INEC announced 38.7%. Yiaga noted INEC appeared to use the 2022 registered voters figure instead of the updated 2026 register.
Yiaga recommended that “INEC should clarify the turnout discrepancy and tighten quality control for sensitive materials ahead of future polls, including the 2027 general elections.
“Security agencies need to crack down harder on vote buying and voter intimidation.
“Political parties must better train polling agents on electoral laws and guidelines.
“Regulating incumbency powers and the use of state resources is critical to ensure fair competition.
“Yiaga Africa stressed that while election administration has improved, vote buying and management lapses remain serious threats to Nigeria’s electoral integrity.”
