Why Ekiti election exposes serious danger to 2027 polls – Analyst

A public affairs analyst, Godwin Omini, said the outcome of the Ekiti 2026 governorship election sends a dangerous signal ahead of 2027 elections.

He disclosed in a statement on Monday, noting that Saturday’s election in Ekiti exposed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s alleged partiality.

Recall that on Sunday, INEC had declared Biodun Oyebanji as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

The ruling All Progressives Congress’s Oyebanji won the polls ahead of the gubernatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress.

Reacting, Omini said Ekiti State has once again brought to the fore serious concerns about the conduct and neutrality of INEC.

“These developments raise profound questions about the Commission’s ability to serve as an impartial umpire in future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

“Indications emerged that INEC officials allegedly colluded with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by facilitating the transfer of approximately 400,000 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the ruling party.

“These cards were reportedly distributed to non-indigenes in a manner that compromised the electoral process and undermined the will of genuine voters in Ekiti State.

“This alleged collaboration points to a troubling pattern of partiality that erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system,” he stated.