The UK has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election in Ekiti State while expressing concerns over vote trading, BVAS technical issues and accessibility for persons with disabilities
The British High Commission in Abuja has congratulated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election while raising serious concerns about vote buying, technical glitches with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and inadequate access for persons with disabilities during Saturday’s governorship election.
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In a statement issued on Monday 23 June 2026, the High Commission commended the peaceful conduct of the poll but highlighted areas where improvements are urgently needed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission after polling 319,224 votes.
He defeated his closest challenger, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, who scored 40,533 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress recorded 12,872 votes.
“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,” the statement read. “We also offer our congratulations to Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress on his re-election.”
The mission welcomed the peaceful and orderly delivery of the election by INEC and security agencies.
British observers noted positive collaboration between electoral officials and police at many polling units.
However, the High Commission expressed disappointment over persistent challenges.
It observed that many polling units remained inaccessible to voters with disabilities despite some efforts to prioritise vulnerable voters.
The statement added that technical delays with the BVAS machine slowed voting at several centres and risked undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
British observers also reported instances of vote trading and interference by party agents. “Vote trading erodes public confidence and undermines the democratic process,” the statement warned. “We call on all actors to take urgent steps to address this corrosive practice.”
The concerns raised by the UK come as political stakeholders prepare for the 2027 general elections.
While the Ekiti poll was largely peaceful, issues of electoral integrity and inclusivity remain key areas requiring attention from INEC and all political parties.
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Governor Oyebanji’s re-election victory gives the APC continued control of the state, which has witnessed alternating power between major parties in recent election cycles.
