By Julian Osamoto
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed concern over low voter turnout, isolated reports of electoral malpractice and technical challenges during the Ekiti State governorship election.
In its final assessment issued on Monday and signed by co-conveners Celestine Odo and Mma Odi, the group says the election was generally peaceful across the state, with election officials and security agencies largely performing their duties in line with established procedures.
Situation Room, which deployed more than 200 observers across the 16 local government areas, reported that voting commenced early in about 92 per cent of polling units observed.
However, the group noted that late deployment of officials and logistical challenges delayed the commencement of voting in some polling units in Ado-Ekiti.
The organisation said voter turnout remained low despite a high Permanent Voter Card collection rate. “According to figures released by INEC, only about 37 per cent of eligible voters participated in the election”.
INEC report shows “election was conducted for a population of 1,028,929 who had collected their PVCs representing 97.1 percent, with 384,940 accredited voters and 382,109 total votes cast.”
Situation Room also reported isolated cases of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) malfunctions, particularly affecting elderly voters during facial authentication.
“Ekiti West LGA (Ward 5, PU 03) where individuals without voter cards were allowed to vote upon verification of their names on the register”.
“Ado-Ekiti (Ward 07, PU 019), a senior government official directed that all registered voters (including those absent) should be allowed to vote”
The group said some polling units experienced delays in accreditation and the commencement of voting due to technical challenges.
It further raises concerns over inconsistencies in the number of political parties listed on ballot papers and result sheets.
“While INEC announced 14 participating parties, ballot papers contained 19 parties with result sheets reflecting 15 parties”.
Situation Room also received reports of alleged voter inducement and procedural irregularities in some polling units, including cases where individuals without voter cards were allowed to vote after verification.
On accessibility, the group said persons with disabilities and elderly voters encountered challenges in some polling units due to inaccessible locations, inadequate facilities and poor voter information.
The organisation urged INEC to review logistical and operational challenges ahead of future elections and called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to prevent electoral offences.
It also appeals to political parties to promote issue-based campaigns and urged stakeholders to address declining voter turnout and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
