Ekiti state governorship election upheld as internationally acceptable by human rights organizations

The Nigerian Human Rights Community, a coalition of human rights organisations, has deemed the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State as credible, free, and fair, meeting international standards, according to a statement signed by Martins Adeleke, Fred Ojinika, and Abubakar Ahmed.

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The coalition's assessment was based on reports from over 200 observers deployed across the state to monitor the election, which they said reflected the genuine democratic choice of the electorate and was largely peaceful.

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The ruling All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, emerged victorious in the governorship election, winning in all 16 local government areas of the state, with the Independent National Electoral Commission declaring Oyebanji the winner after he polled 319,224 votes.

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Oyebanji's closest rivals, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, were defeated across the state's 16 local government areas, with Oluyede scoring 40,533 votes and Bejide polling 12,872 votes.

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The rights groups commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for improvements in the electoral process, particularly the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and electronic transmission of results, which enhanced transparency, accountability, and credibility.

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According to the coalition, these innovations eliminated ballot snatching, voter register manipulation, and other forms of electoral fraud, and the election met international expectations due to the improvements recorded by INEC over the years and the professionalism demonstrated by its officials.

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The coalition noted that the election results reflected the political reality in the state, with the ruling All Progressives Congress dominating voting across many polling units, and Oyebanji's victory was aided by extensive grassroots campaigns and the advantage of incumbency.

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The observers attributed the APC's victory to its stronger political structure across the state and extensive grassroots campaigns, which gave the party an edge over its opponents.

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Despite its positive assessment, the coalition urged electoral reforms, including the introduction of provisions for special voters such as journalists, health workers, and security personnel on election duty.

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The rights groups praised the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, and members of his team for their professionalism and transparency in the conduct of the election.

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Election materials were delivered promptly across the state's 177 wards and polling units, and voting commenced as scheduled in most locations visited by the coalition's observers.

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Party agents of opposition political parties were present at the polling units monitored, and votes were counted openly in their presence, reducing fears of manipulation, according to the coalition.

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The coalition expressed concern over the relatively low voter turnout, urging INEC and political parties to intensify voter education and civic engagement ahead of future elections.

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Despite the challenges, the coalition maintained that democracy remains the best system of government and called on stakeholders to sustain efforts to strengthen Nigeria's electoral process.

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The coalition also called for constitutional backing for independent candidacy, preferential treatment for elderly persons, pregnant women, and persons living with disabilities during voting, and the creation of additional polling units to reduce overcrowding and the long distances voters travel to cast their ballots.