#EkitiDecides2026: Observers Hail BVAS Performance, Raise Alarm Over Vote-Buying

Election observers have praised Nigeria's Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for its performance during the Ekiti gubernatorial election, but raised serious concerns about vote-buying and other electoral malpractices.

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The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub has lauded the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the 2026 Ekiti gubernatorial election, even as it flagged significant concerns regarding electoral malpractice.

The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub, a coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations, reported that the BVAS functioned effectively in 96% of monitored polling units. They also noted the early arrival of election officials and materials in most locations, and the inclusive participation of women and persons with disabilities.

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BVAS recording a 96 per cent functionality rate across monitored polling units.

However, the observers documented "red flag" incidents, including organized vote-buying and voter intimidation in nine local government areas. While the overall security situation was described as peaceful, 24 incidents of violence were reported across 10 LGAs. Discrepancies in ballot materials and restricted media access in some areas were also noted.

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Data from 246 of 250 sampled units indicated early arrival of election officials and materials, with voting commencing by 8:30 a.m. in 69 per cent of observed locations.

The coalition urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure prompt and transparent uploading of all polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). They also recommended immediate replacement of any malfunctioning BVAS units to prevent voter disenfranchisement. The observers called on security agencies, political parties, and voters to act responsibly to safeguard the election's integrity.

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Observers documented organised vote-buying activities and voter intimidation across nine Local Government Areas (LGAs).