Controversy Erupts Over INEC Observer Role in Ekiti Poll

The Ekiti governorship election has sparked controversy regarding the role of Edo APC chairman, who served as an INEC observer. Incumbent governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC was declared the winner with 319,224 votes, defeating his closest challengers, Wole Oluyede of the PDP and Dare Bejid of the ADC, who received 40,543 and 12,872 votes, respectively.

The situation has raised questions about the independence of INEC, as critics, including Malachi Ugwommadu of the CDHR, argue that allowing a state party chairman to act as an observer undermines the electoral body's neutrality. Ambassador Bejid alleged widespread vote-buying and intimidation during the election, describing the polling environment as a "war zone." INEC's chief returning officer, Professor Adenik Oladiji, announced the final results at 3 AM on Sunday.

APC spokesman Felix Morka congratulated Oyebanji on his re-election, marking a historic victory as the first incumbent governor to win re-election in Ekiti State's contemporary democratic history.