#EkitiDecides2026: Ekiti Governorship Poll Marred By Vote-Buying, Polling Agents’ Interference, Lack Of Disability-Inclusive Resources — ActionAid

Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State- The Head of Programmes and Policy at ActionAid Nigeria, Celestine Okwudili Odo, has raised concerns over alleged electoral irregularities observed during the Ekiti State governorship election, including vote-buying, interference by polling agents and inadequate provisions for persons with disabilities.

Speaking with Afrika Eyes from the Situation Room monitoring centre during the election, Odo said observers documented several incidents that violated electoral regulations and undermined the integrity of the voting process.

According to him, in some locations, polling units were situated directly in front of private residences, a development he said contravened established election guidelines.

Odo further disclosed that reports received from TAF Africa, a partner organisation of the Situation Room, identified several polling units across Ado-Ekiti that lacked adequate disability-inclusive resources, making it difficult for persons living with disabilities to participate fully in the electoral process.

He also alleged that incidents of vote-buying were recorded in some polling units.

“In some cases, voters were issued hand-bands after voting and were rewarded at the show of the hand-bands,” Odo told Afrika Eyes.

The ActionAid official further accused polling agents of improperly interfering in the conduct of the election.

“Polling agents were seen interfering in the election process by directing election officials and assisting voters to cast their votes in breach of the secrecy of voting,” he said.

Odo maintained that such practices violate electoral standards and could compromise the credibility of the election if not adequately addressed by the relevant authorities.

He called for stricter enforcement of electoral regulations and improved measures to guarantee free, fair and inclusive elections, particularly for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.

The Situation Room, a coalition of civil society organisations involved in election observation, continued to monitor developments across the state as voting progressed.