The United Kingdom has hailed the peaceful conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election.
The U.K government also congratulated Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who emerged as the winner with 319,224 votes.
The British High Commission, in a statement on Monday, also commended the implementation of the 2026 Electoral Act.
The High Commission, however, raised concerns about vote trading.
It warned that the credibility of the next elections will be vital for public confidence in democratic institutions.
The statement read, “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.
“We welcome the peaceful and orderly delivery of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders. Noting that this was the first major election under the Electoral Act 2026 and associated guidelines, our team of British High Commission observers were grateful to meet key stakeholders, including police and INEC representatives, before the election to understand how the Act was being implemented.
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“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.
“While our team noted the prioritisation of vulnerable voters at several polling units, which is commendable, 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.
“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.
“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.
“As the next off-cycle election approaches in Osun State, we urge all stakeholders, including INEC, security agencies, and political actors, to take on board the lessons from Ekiti.
“As Nigeria looks towards the 2027 general elections, our partnership remains as important as ever. The credibility of the next elections will be vital to public confidence in democratic institutions, to Nigeria’s continued progress, and to its leadership role across Africa. The UK stands ready to continue working with the Nigerian Government and civil society to champion credible electoral processes, strengthen democratic institutions, and support organisations working to build a more inclusive and accountable system.
“Once again, the British High Commission warmly congratulates Governor Oyebanji on his re- election and looks forward to continuing the strong partnership between the UK and Ekiti State.”
