UK congratulates Oyebanji on re-election, faults vote buying, BVAS glitches

The British High Commission in Abuja has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on his re-election while raising concerns over vote trading, technical glitches with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the accessibility of polling units for persons with disabilities during Saturday’s governorship election.

This was contained in a statement issued by the British High Commission on Monday.

PUNCH Online had reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress winner of the election after polling 319,224 votes across the state’s 16 local government areas.

He defeated his closest rival, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 40,533 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress polled 12,872 votes.

Congratulating voters and the governor, the High Commission said, “The British High Commission in Abuja congratulates the voters in Ekiti State for their participation in the Governorship election held on 20 June 2026 and for their commitment to exercise their democratic rights. We also offer our congratulations to Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his re-election.”

The mission commended the conduct of the election, saying, “We welcome the peaceful and orderly delivery of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders.”

It added that British observers met with key stakeholders, including police officers and INEC officials, ahead of the poll to assess the implementation of the Electoral Act 2026.

According to the statement, “On the day of the election, our observers witnessed positive collaboration between INEC officials and security agencies which played an important role in ensuring voting was mostly peaceful.”

The High Commission, however, noted that although vulnerable voters were prioritised at several polling units, many voting centres remained inaccessible to persons with disabilities.

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It stated, “The physical location and set-up of most polling units visited were inaccessible to voters with disabilities. 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 British mission also expressed concern over technical issues affecting the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.

It said, “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 statement further raised concerns over vote buying and the conduct of party agents at some polling units.

It noted, “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 future elections, the High Commission urged electoral stakeholders to apply lessons from the Ekiti poll as preparations begin for the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.

It added that “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.”

The mission reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible, inclusive and accountable electoral processes.