Ekiti Governorship Election Meets Global Standards, Rights Groups Say

The Coalition of Human Rights Organizations has praised the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, describing it as credible, free, and fair, meeting international standards. The coalition's statement, signed by Martin Adeleke, Fred Ojinika, and Abubakar Ahm, followed the deployment of 200 observers across the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner with 319,224 votes, defeating Olumayokun Oluyed of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), who received 40,533 votes, and Dare Bejid of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who garnered 12,872 votes. The coalition noted improvements in the electoral process, particularly the use of a bimodal voter accreditation system and electronic transmission of results, which enhanced transparency and accountability.

However, they expressed concern over low voter turnout and urged INEC and political parties to intensify voter education and civic engagement for future elections.