The conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election has been commended by a civil society organization (CSO), despite the low voter turnout. According to TheCable, the CSO stated that the election met global standards, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demonstrating improved performance in the management of the electoral process. The CSO's assessment is significant, as it highlights the progress made by INEC in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the election. However, the low voter turnout remains a concern, with many citizens failing to participate in the electoral process. As reported by Nigerian Tribune, some Nigerians have expressed mixed opinions on the outcome of the election and INEC's performance.

The Ekiti State governorship election has come to an end, with Biodun Oyebanji emerging as the winner, thereby breaking the back-to-back re-election jinx in the state. According to Vanguard News, Oyebanji's victory is seen as a significant milestone in the state's political history. However, the new governor faces numerous tasks, including addressing the state's economic and infrastructure challenges. As reported by Google News Nigeria, Oyebanji's administration will need to prioritize the development of critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture to improve the lives of Ekiti residents.

The Ekiti gubernatorial election has been seen as a test of Nigeria's democratic institutions, with many observing the process to determine its credibility. According to Google News Nigeria, the NHRC has declared the election as credible, which is a positive development for the country's democracy. However, the election has also highlighted the need for continued efforts to strengthen the country's electoral process. The NHRC's call for electoral reforms is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen how these reforms will be implemented. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic challenges, the international community will be watching closely to see how the country addresses its electoral and security concerns.

The debate over state police in Nigeria has been a contentious issue, with some arguing that it is necessary for better security and others claiming that it could lead to abuse of power. According to Business Day, the Federal Government is not looking to reverse its stance on the matter, despite the ongoing debate. The issue has been further complicated by the recent Ekiti gubernatorial election, which has raised questions about the role of state police in ensuring electoral integrity. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns of Nigerians on this matter. The NHRC's call for electoral reforms may be an indication that there is a need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the country's security and electoral challenges.

The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) has called for far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria's electoral process, according to THISDAYLIVE. This comes after the NHRC declared the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti as credible. The election, which took place on June 20, has been a subject of discussion among Nigerians, with some calling for the implementation of state police to ensure better security and electoral integrity. However, the Federal Government has not indicated any intention to reverse its stance on the matter, as reported by Business Day. The NHRC's declaration of the Ekiti election as credible is a significant development, as it suggests that the electoral process in Nigeria is improving. Nevertheless, the call for electoral reforms highlights the need for continued efforts to strengthen the country's democratic institutions. As the debate over state police and electoral reforms continues, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.

According to Google News Nigeria: <ol><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwAFBVV95cUxOSHRsYzluRERLNEZNTjZ3TEdMZUNBYlY2NGdFaVZKb0xTMFlCOFZGQm1TaW5nc09xNWdydnRIRERCZTlnRFVxVkVtTGZ4ajYxV3NZTnM2SHZ3ZXYwOXVIbGpjejhLU2RCN2NONnpxMzc2ODJOcXBTelNFWEphSDlQa2tuRzd5VkdlY213MmV0bG16TkFTWURuRjZLZHc2ekFqVnJodFQ1RWYxdHFQaC1mZHJabWJ5UGVGXzg4a29BemE?oc=5" target="_blank">Oyebanji, Afuye Collect INEC’s Certificates of Return, Pledge Greater Service to Ekiti</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">THISDAYLIVE</font></li><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi5gFBVV95cUxNZU1CZ1FfcldKNGxnVkJjbHhDV2dvV1ZiVkUwRjZZczNMQ1liRHBycVNTZzFlb0lKMkdMWDk0eVJZSnBIMFRadkZTYXRnb3BielBEeUJ5S25CUkk4RlVBTUlRM2xzMGNKWWlqQjVYZ2poajNYWm13NjJBMmVLVF9HMzJUa3NycVFoZDMwU2dKNFRreTNKTmduREdXeGgyczlnUzBfZnFHRC00ODJMWTU0ZEFQdDNiMzRKLXZrcHdZb2s2VzlEN09PRHNjTDhYNk9JNVBkRVlqWGlPVGNlS3RraFhmNlZ4dw?oc=5" target="_blank">INEC presents certificates of return to Oyebanji, deputy following second term election victory</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Premium Times Nigeria</font></li><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimwFBVV95cUxOZmMwQ0E4bjZzb2kxTVFWWkhjaElEdXluTnFZUzNmZ2lhT0FCTElsTEJtTE9NSlZrS3dMZ2FOWEp6dFpDbmg2UGlOM3Z6TDVYUEx1eHcxcjZWblhPeTFMekZSNGlIOXpacUNrbGFfeEZsZHBUSnBrUFNZdHB6MDdnX1ZZcDhKcHRQSFA5U2doaDJRbnljN1RnWjlpTQ?oc=5" target="_blank">UK commends Ekiti election as CSOs decry vote-trading, BVAS delays</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">The Guardian Nigeria News</font></li><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiugFBVV95cUxQVnRrc0w3dGowMzJ1bXpNcHB2ZEJNblhGa0RVcWpIU053TlFkaFBwQWxtRWFRUDM4YkFrbzdxR1BzZGgxbDE2TWI3SjBwY0t6RG84TXVZTERhYnljTF8zWjJrdjZXWk5ocmVDelR4VC15TThoVDlNeEE1ay12Y3F6a2M1dmZSREpuRk85bGJZUnQ1eFduVjBZR0g0VEcxZVoxNjdqdkZnWTVSelVteVlPSFJaOGNaUGZPYUE?oc=5" target="_blank">Sanwo-Olu: With Size Bigger Than Many Countries, Lagos is Firm on Climate Issues</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">THISDAYLIVE</font></li><li><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95c According to Al Jazeera Africa: US Senate votes to pause Iran war in rare rebuke to Trump According to Punch Nigeria: The EFCC is tracking voters who chased its operatives from a polling unit during the Ekiti governorship election, vowing to prosecute those involved in the Read More: https://punchng.com/efcc-tracks-voters-who-chased-away-operatives-in-ekiti/ According to Punch Nigeria: Governor Biodun Oyebanji wins re-election in the Ekiti election 2026, making history as the first sitting governor to secure a second term. Read the full a Read More: https://punchng.com/my-final-word-on-ekiti-2026-governorship-election/ According to Arise News: Re-elected Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye receive INEC certificates, pledging improved governance and development delivery. According to TVC News: <p>The Independent National Electoral Commission has presented the certificates of return to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye. Sharing pictures of the certificate presentation on Tuesday, the Ekiti State Government on its official X handle said that the event marked more than a constitutional process; “it represents a [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.tvcnews.tv/photos-inec-presents-certificates-of-return-to-ekiti-gov-deputy/">PHOTOS: INEC Presents Certificates of Return To Ekiti Gov, Deputy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.tvcnews.tv">Trending News</a>.</p>

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) as a political party within seven days, according to Peoples Gazette. This ruling is unrelated to the Ekiti gubernatorial election but has implications for the country's political landscape.

The British High Commission in Nigeria has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for conducting an 'orderly and peaceful' Ekiti gubernatorial election, according to TheCable. However, the commission also expressed concern over vote trading and glitches experienced with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). This international endorsement comes as the Electoral College warns against low voter participation after the election.

The Oluyede Campaign Organisation has rejected the outcome of Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State, alleging electoral irregularities, according to Sun News Online. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced the incumbent Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, as the winner of the just concluded election. This development comes as the Electoral College warns against low voter participation after the Ekiti gubernatorial election, as reported by Google News Nigeria. The APC has hailed Oyebanji's re-election as a reflection of public confidence in the party's leadership, with the South-West APC stating that the development confirms the people of Ekiti as informed citizens who desire the best for their state and country (Nigerian Tribune).

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Ekiti State governorship election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has rejected the election results, alleging irregularities, as reported by THISDAY. Meanwhile, the Electoral College has expressed concern over declining voter participation in the election, according to TheCable. The rejection of the results by Oluyede and the PDP potentially sets the stage for a post-election dispute, while the Electoral College's warning underscores the need for efforts to boost voter engagement in future elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet commented on the allegations made by Oluyede.

Following his re-election, Ekiti State Governor Oyebanji has been urged by a cleric to form an inclusive government that brings on board all stakeholders to drive state development, according to Punch Nigeria. This call comes as the governor prepares to embark on his second term, with expectations high for enhanced governance and development initiatives. The cleric's plea highlights the need for Oyebanji to bridge any political divides and ensure that his administration benefits all Ekiti residents.

Following the re-election of Governor Oyebanji, various stakeholders have reacted to the outcome. According to Arise News, Oyebanji has vowed to provide humble service to the people of Ekiti State. Former Governor Kayode Fayemi has called on opposition candidates and Ekiti residents to support Oyebanji's second term development agenda, as reported by Arise News. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Oyebanji, stating that his commanding victory reflects strong public approval, according to Arise News. The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria has visited the Election Result Analysis Dashboard (ERAD) Centre in Ado-Ekiti, reaffirming its support for democratic governance, as reported by Leadership Newspaper.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has applauded the peaceful conduct of the Ekiti governorship election, according to Nigerian Tribune. Yiaga Africa, a civil society organization, has validated the election results, stating that they accurately reflect the votes cast at the polling units, as reported by Nigerian Tribune. However, Yiaga Africa has also raised concerns over vote-buying and questionable turnout figures, according to Arise News. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the violence and vote-buying that marred the election, questioning the electoral integrity of the country, as reported by Arise News.

The re-election of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been met with congratulations from various stakeholders, including Senator Ayo Arise, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and President Bola Tinubu. According to Nigerian Tribune, Senator Arise described Oyebanji's re-election as a well-deserved victory. TVC News reports that Aiyedatiwa congratulated Oyebanji, describing the outcome as a 'resounding' victory. President Tinubu, as reported by THISDAY, congratulated Oyebanji, stating that his re-election is a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and development. However, not all stakeholders are pleased with the outcome, as the opposition party, ADC, has alleged widespread vote-buying, according to Arise News.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has vowed to intensify efforts aimed at driving economic growth and reducing poverty after securing re-election. According to Channels TV, Oyebanji promised to build on his previous achievements and ensure that all segments of the state are carried along during his second term. President Tinubu has urged Oyebanji to be magnanimous in victory and ensure peaceful governance.

The Nigeria Police Force has commended the peaceful conduct of the Ekiti governorship election, describing it as orderly and largely free of major security incidents. According to Premium Times, the police praised the electorate for their cooperation during the election. President Tinubu also hailed the peaceful conduct of the poll, charging INEC to continue conducting peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.

The Ekiti governorship election was marred by allegations of vote-buying, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, describing the outcome as a 'mockery of democracy'. According to Vanguard News and Premium Times, observers from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) also reported vote-buying and voter assistance irregularities during the election. However, Yiaga Africa confirmed that the results announced by INEC fell within its estimated range, indicating that the figures reflected ballots counted at polling units across the state.

Several high-profile figures, including President Tinubu, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have congratulated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election victory. According to Premium Times and Peoples Gazette, President Tinubu praised Oyebanji's overwhelming victory, describing it as a testament to his governance and ability to unite the state's stakeholders. The APC governors and Senate leader also hailed Oyebanji's victory, describing it as overwhelming.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Oyebanji secured a total of 319,224 votes, defeating his closest rival, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 40,543 votes. Oyebanji made history by winning all 16 local government areas in the state. According to Politics Nigeria and Ripples Nigeria, Oyebanji's victory marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first governor in Ekiti State's history to win re-election back-to-back since 1999.

Following INEC's declaration of his victory in the Ekiti gubernatorial election, Governor Biodun Oyebanji celebrated his re-election, describing it as a vote of confidence from the people of Ekiti. In a statement, Oyebanji pledged to deliver development dividends to every household in the state, emphasizing the mandate for continuity, stability, and development. Vanguard News reports that Oyebanji's statement underscored his commitment to translating the people's mandate into tangible outcomes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded results from 2,213 out of 2,445 polling units to its IReV portal, representing 90.51% of the total units. This transparency measure is seen as a step towards enhancing the credibility of the electoral process. The uploaded results reflect Oyebanji's lead, with the incumbent governor being declared the winner by INEC.

In a significant turn of events, Governor Biodun Oyebanji won at the polling unit where former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose cast his vote. Oyebanji polled 448 out of 493 total valid votes cast at the unit, according to reports. This development underscores the incumbent governor's broad appeal across the state, even in areas considered strongholds of his opponents.

The Ekiti gubernatorial election, held on June 20, 2026, was largely peaceful but tainted by allegations of vote-buying, according to Yiaga Africa, a prominent election monitoring organization. Despite this, the group noted that the development marked an improvement in the country's electoral process. The election saw incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji emerge victorious, with results from a significant number of polling units already uploaded to INEC's IReV portal.

Biodun Oyebanji, the re-elected governor of Ekiti State, has promised to have a greater impact across the state, as reported by Channels TV. Oyebanji hailed his re-election as 'humbling' and stated that the people of Ekiti had spoken with one voice in support of continuity, stability, and development. The governor's promise comes after a contentious election process, with opposition parties kicking against the results.

The Nigerian Situation Room has revealed new tactics used to buy votes in the Ekiti State gubernatorial election, as reported by Sahara Reporters. The tactics include the use of non-physical cash, highlighting the evolving nature of vote-buying in Nigerian elections. This development raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded 87.03% of the results of the Ekiti State gubernatorial election on its Result Viewing Portal, as reported by Daily Trust. This represents 2,128 out of 2,445 polling units where elections were conducted in the state. The Cable also reported that INEC had uploaded 91% of the results, with the APC candidate leading in the poll. However, there are discrepancies in the reported percentages of uploaded results.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Ekiti State gubernatorial election. According to Channels TV, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes. The Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election, Adenike Oladiji, announced the results at about 2 a.m. on Sunday. The election saw a turnout of between 34.0% and 38.1%, as estimated by Yiaga Africa. The APC candidate's victory was met with opposition from other parties, with some kicking against the results, as reported by Sun News Online.