UK Government Confirms Incidents Of BVAS Failure, Vote Buying In Ekiti Governorship Election
UK Government Confirms Incidents Of BVAS Failure, Vote Buying In Ekiti Governorship Election
However, the observer team raised concerns about accessibility at polling units visited during the election.
The British High Commission in Abuja has raised concerns over BVAS glitches and inaccessible polling units during the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
In a statement, the British High Commission congratulated voters in Ekiti State for their participation in the election and Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his re-election.
The Commission also welcomed what it described as the peaceful and orderly delivery of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders.
According to the statement, the election was the first major election under the Electoral Act 2026 and associated guidelines.
The Commission said its team of British High Commission observers met key stakeholders including police and INEC representatives before the election to understand how the Act was being implemented.
The Commission stated that, on the day of the election, its observers witnessed positive collaboration between INEC officials and security agencies which played an important role in ensuring voting was mostly peaceful.
However, the observer team raised concerns about accessibility at polling units visited during the election.
The statement said, “While our team noted the prioritisation of vulnerable voters at several polling units, which is commendable, the physical location and set-up of most polling units visited were inaccessible to voters with disabilities.”
The British High Commission noted that vulnerable voters were prioritised at several polling units but observed that the physical location and set-up of most polling units visited were inaccessible to voters with disabilities.
The Commission added, “We encourage continued collaboration among stakeholders to build on areas of good practice to ensure implementation at all polling units ahead of the general elections in 2027.”
The observer team also reported challenges relating to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) at some polling units.
According to the statement, “Our observers also noted delays to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) at some polling units, which slowed down voting. Technical issues risk undermining voter confidence in electoral systems and can discourage turnout.”
The British High Commission noted that delays to the BVAS at some polling units slowed down voting and warned that technical issues risk undermining voter confidence in electoral systems and can discourage turnout.
The Commission further stated that its observation team was concerned to see instances of vote trading and interference by party agents at polling units visited.
The statement said, “Our observation team were concerned to see instances of vote trading and interference by party agents at polling units visited. Vote trading erodes public confidence and undermines the democratic process. We call on all actors to take urgent steps to address this corrosive practice.”
Looking ahead to the next off-cycle election in Osun State, the British High Commission urged stakeholders to take on board the lessons from Ekiti.
The Commission stated, “As the next off-cycle election approaches in Osun State, we urge all stakeholders including INEC, security agencies, and political actors, to take on board the lessons from Ekiti.”
The British High Commission said that as Nigeria looks towards the 2027 general elections, the credibility of the next elections will be vital for public confidence in democratic institutions, for Nigeria’s continued progress, and for its leadership role across Africa.
According to the statement, the UK stands ready to continue working with the Nigeria Government and civil society to champion credible electoral processes, strengthen democratic institutions, and support organisations working to build a more inclusive and accountable system.
