Ekiti Poll: Yiaga Africa Confirms INEC Results, Raises Concerns Over Vote Buying, Turnout Discrepancies

Yiaga Africa has confirmed that the official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election align with its independent tally, but raised concerns over widespread vote buying and discrepancies in voter turnout figures.

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 were consistent with ballots counted at polling units across the state.

Yiaga Africa commended INEC for improvements in election logistics and administration, including the early deployment of materials and personnel, prompt accreditation and voting processes, and the generally peaceful conduct of the exercise.

However, the group identified several challenges, including widespread voter inducement, weak management of sensitive election materials, inadequate public communication on late administrative and judicial decisions, and inconsistencies in turnout data.

According to the group, its statistical projections placed the All Progressives Congress (APC) between 83.9 and 87.1 per cent of the votes, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 8.5 and 11.7 per cent, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) between 2.9 and 4.1 per cent.

Yiaga noted that all the projections fell within the range of the results announced by INEC.

On voter turnout, the organisation said its estimate ranged between 34.1 and 38.2 per cent, while INEC announced a turnout of 38.7 per cent.

It observed that the commission appeared to have calculated turnout using the 2022 voter register rather than the updated 2026 register, leading to the discrepancy.

The group urged INEC to clarify the turnout figures and strengthen quality control measures for sensitive election materials ahead of future polls, including the 2027 general elections.

Yiaga Africa also called on security agencies to intensify efforts against vote buying and voter intimidation, while urging political parties to better train their polling agents on electoral laws and guidelines.

The organisation further stressed the need to regulate incumbency advantages and the use of state resources during elections to ensure a level playing field for all contestants.

While acknowledging improvements in election administration, Yiaga Africa maintained that vote buying and operational lapses remain significant threats to the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.