Ekiti guber poll: Conduct comprehensive post-election audit of BVAS performance — Group urges INEC

The Case Tracking and Response Centre (CTRC), coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of BVAS performance and improve technology readiness for future elections in the country.

The Centre, in a post-election statement made available to BusinessDay on Monday in Akure, said the technology deployment has become an integral part of our electoral reform.

“As INEC prepares for the Osun Governorship Election, and ultimately the 2027 General Elections, it remains imperative for INEC to comprehensively review the performance of the BVAS and improve its reliability, speed and accessibility, particularly for elderly voters,” the Centre said.

Oluwatumininu Adedeji, Executive Director of the group, however, urged the INEC, Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, ICPC and other relevant law enforcement agencies to strengthen coordination in the investigation and prosecution of vote trading offences under the 2026 Electoral Act, as consistent enforcement is essential to safeguarding the credibility of future elections.

The statement said; “vote trading remained the most widespread electoral concern documented during the election.

“Community Observers reported vote trading in several polling units across Ado, Moba, Ikere, Emure, Efon, Ekiti West, Oye, Ijero, Ikole and Ekiti East LGAs. Community Observers noted that in some polling units, individuals were allegedly paid after casting their votes, while party agents were reported to be distributing tickets or directing voters to nearby locations where
payments ranging from 2,000 Naira to 20,000 Naira were reportedly being made.

“The Centre condemns all forms of vote trading and voter inducement, as these undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Vote trading remains a serious threat to electoral integrity and we call for stronger enforcement of the Electoral Act to ensure offenders are investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.

“INEC should continue prioritizing the elderly, Persons with Disabilities, pregnant women and nursing mothers during elections. This remains a commendable approach to achieve inclusion in our electoral processes.

“The Centre encourages civil society organisations to intensify candidates engagement, advocacy and voter education, particularly targeting young people whose turnout remained relatively low across many polling units. Greater civic engagement will be critical to strengthening democratic participation ahead of future elections.

“Political parties should refrain from all forms of vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, and uphold democratic principles by respecting the free choice of voters.

“The Center pleads with political parties to direct all electoral grievances to the relevant authorities without resorting to violence to mitigate post-election violence.

“The Centre commends the people of Ekiti State for the generally peaceful conduct of the election and applauds the remarkable participation of women and vulnerable groups. While the election demonstrated encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation,
persistent challenges relating to BVAS performance and vote trading require urgent institutional attention.

“The lessons emerging from the Ekiti Governorship Election should guide preparations for forthcoming elections, including the Osun 2026 Governorship Election and, more importantly, the 2027 General Elections. Strengthening election technology, improving polling official capacity, and decisively addressing electoral malpractice will be essential to enhancing public trust and ensuring that future elections are credible, transparent and inclusive.

“The Case Tracking and Response Centre remains committed to supporting electoral integrity, promoting peaceful participation and advancing inclusive democratic governance in Nigeria.”