Ekiti Election 2026: Fayemi Applauds INEC Process Amid Soft Voter Turnout

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has officially commended the organizational conduct of the ongoing state governorship election.

Speaking immediately after casting his ballot at Ogilolo Ward 11, Unit 9 in Isan Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, the former leader praised the electoral body for a highly efficient exercise.

#EkitiDecides2026: Fayemi, wife after voting

Former Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi has described the ongoing governorship election in Ekiti State as peaceful. The former chief executive observed that the accreditation and voting procedures were entirely stress-free, specifically hailing officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for effectively discharging their duties.

The remarks were delivered after Fayemi voted alongside his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, at Ward 11, Unit 09, Ogilolo, Isan-Ekiti. He noted that the technical side of the process appeared remarkably seamless, contrasting it positively with historical electoral challenges.

Fayemi also addressed an unfortunate security incident that occurred in the community the previous evening. He clarified that the altercation was strictly between two individuals and carried no political or electoral connection.

The former governor stated that police authorities, up to the level of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, have provided assurances of a thorough investigation. He emphasized that Isan-Ekiti remains a peaceful community with high stakes in maintaining regional stability.

Meanwhile, former Senator Ayo Arise expressed absolute confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji would secure victory. Oyebanji is currently seeking a second term in office.

Speaking in Oye-Ekiti, Arise characterized the overall election process as orderly and rapid. However, the former lawmaker pointed out that voter turnout across various polling units appeared lower than initially anticipated.

Arise observed that while the turnout was average, the rapid departure of voters after balloting made visual assessments difficult. He noted that achieving an aspiration of 500,000 votes remains a long-term participation goal for the state.

Concurrently, tensions flared in Iyin-Ekiti as voters reportedly chased away operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft personnel had arrived to monitor and suppress widespread allegations of vote-buying.

The angry crowd resisted the deployment, forcing the EFCC personnel to exit the scene. This development occurred amid broader concerns raised by civil society groups, including Yiaga Africa, regarding vote-buying magnitudes.

Future Outlook

As the 2026 Ekiti governorship election concludes, the focus shifts to INEC’s central collation center for the official tallying of results. The administrative success of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during this cycle could set a technical benchmark for upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial elections across Nigeria. However, the recurring challenges of low voter turnout and systemic vote-buying will require deep policy reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

FAQs

What was former Governor Kayode Fayemi’s assessment of the 2026 Ekiti election?

Dr. Kayode Fayemi commended INEC for a smooth, fast, and seamless accreditation and voting process, stating that the technical execution was highly efficient compared to previous cycles.

Who is the incumbent governor contesting the 2026 Ekiti election?

Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the leading candidate seeking a second term in office during this electoral cycle.

What happened to the EFCC operatives in Iyin-Ekiti?

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were resisted and chased away by angry voters while attempting to monitor and crack down on suspected vote-buying activities at a local polling unit.