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Ekiti Poll: Elderly, PWDs prioritised across polling units

Mustapha USMAN
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Ekiti Poll: Elderly, PWDs prioritised across polling units

ELDERLY voters and persons with disabilities (PWDs) received priority at several polling units across Ekiti State on Saturday, June 20, as voting commenced in the state’s governorship election.

The election is being contested by 12 political parties, with over one million registered voters expected to decide whether Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secures a second term or a new governor emerges.

At Polling Unit 003, Okelele, Ikogosi, in Ijero Local Government Area, 80-year-old Wale Olabode was among the early voters at Governor Oyebanji’s polling unit.

Olabode said she had been participating in elections since she was 20 and was among those accorded priority as voting got underway.

At Polling Unit 002, located in front of Olarewaju Compound in Ijero Ward, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development’s (CJID) election observers reported that persons with disabilities were given priority during the voting process, although some elderly voters were seen waiting in line as polling officials attended to voters.

At Polling Unit 004, St. Silas Primary School II, Egboigidi, in Omuo Oke I Ward of Ekiti East Local Government Area, voters comprising youths, elderly men and women gathered early to verify their names and polling unit details before joining the voting process.

Meanwhile, at Polling Unit 004 opposite G.A.B Shopping Mall at Palace Square in Emure Local Government Area, election officials conducted voter orientation shortly before voting commenced.

Community leaders at the polling unit urged residents to remain peaceful throughout the exercise and encouraged polling officers to prioritise pregnant women and elderly voters in line with local practice.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said 1,059,360 registered voters are eligible to participate in the election across 2,445 polling units located in 177 wards across the state’s 16 local government areas.

Ahead of the poll, INEC distributed sensitive and non-sensitive election materials to registration area centres and polling units and assured voters of the readiness of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Security agencies also deployed personnel across the state, while authorities imposed restrictions on vehicular movement from midnight to 6 p.m. to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Governor Oyebanji, who won the 2022 governorship election with 187,057 votes, is seeking another four-year term against candidates from 11 political parties.

As of the time of filing this report, voting was ongoing in the polling units monitored with election officials attending to voters and priority groups, including the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

Ekiti governorship election begins peacefully

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Ekiti governorship election begins peacefully

Accreditation and voting have commenced in polling units across Ekiti State in the ongoing governorship election, with reports from multiple local government areas indicating a largely peaceful process.

As of about 9:30 a.m, The ICIR observers deployed across the state reported that polling units across several local government areas, including Ado, Ikere, Emure, Ijero, Moba, Ekiti East, Irepodun/Ifelodun, and Ilejemeje had begun accreditation and voting.

INEC officials were observed using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), while security personnel were deployed to maintain order. Observers reported that election officials arrived on time in several polling units. 

There was, however, concern at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Emure, where observers noticed that some voters were being called aside shortly after voting. The reason for the interactions could not be independently verified.

In Ilejemeje Local Government Area, voting commenced smoothly at Polling Unit 09 in Ilepe, while in Moba LGA, accreditation and voting were underway at SDA Primary School, Amututu II, with police officers, election observers and party agents on the ground. However, an election official reportedly prevented an accredited observer from taking photographs at one of the polling units.

At Veterinary Hall, Ikere LGA, an early disturbance erupted after a councillor allegedly displayed his marked ballot paper after voting, triggering an uproar among voters. The situation was later brought under control, and voting continued.

Meanwhile, at St. Andrew’s Primary School in Emure LGA, voting progressed peacefully under the watch of security personnel. However, observers reported that some voters were being called aside after casting their ballots, although the reason for the practice was not immediately clear.

In Ekiti East LGA, party agents and voters disagreed with the Presiding Officer over whether voters who required assistance could be accompanied by a person of their choice while casting their ballots.

At polling units in Ado-Ekiti, voting remained peaceful in most locations; however, tension briefly flared at one polling unit in Okeyinmi Ward after some voters accused others of jumping the queue, prompting security personnel to intervene before the situation escalated.

Observers in Ijero LGA reported that elderly voters were given priority at some polling units, with chairs provided to ease the voting process, while in Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, election officials commenced voting around 8:30 a.m. at several polling units after voter sensitisation in both Pidgin English and Yoruba.

Reports indicated a generally orderly process, though voter turnout at Okeagbe Farm Polling Unit was described as low as of 9:00 a.m.

At one polling unit in Awo community, a party agent was seen assisting elderly voters in placing ballot papers into the ballot box, an action that may raise concerns about compliance with voting procedures if not done strictly at the request of voters requiring assistance.

IN accordance with INEC regulations, voting shall continue until all eligible voters who are already in the queue at the official closing time have been duly accredited and allowed to cast their ballots.

More updates are expected as voting progresses across the state.

Key data on 2026 Ekiti governorship election

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Key data on 2026 Ekiti governorship election

ELIGIBLE voters have gone to the polls today, June 20, to elect the next Governor of Ekiti State. Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji will slug it out with 11 other contenders for the governorship seat.

In this report, The ICIR presents important data for the election, as released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

There are 16 local government areas in Ekiti State and as at 2023, INEC estimated the state’s population to 4,166,374.

According to the elctoral umpire, the number of registered voters in the state rose from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026. The number of PVCs collected rose from 958,052 in 2023, representing a collection rate of 97.0 per cent, to 1,028,929 in 2026, representing 97.1 per cent of registered voters.

Below is the number of registered voters by local government.

Ado (189,432);Efon (32,062); Ekiti-East (65,520); Ekiti-West (56,175); Ekiti South-West (65,168); Emure (39,298); Aiyekire (57,771); and Ido-Osi 61,652)

Others are Ijero (67,776); Ikere (69,319); Ikole (80,968); Ilejemeje (20,862); Irepodun/Ifelodun (75,603); Ise-Orun (49,183); Moba (56,968); and Oye (71,603)

The ICIR reported the Situation Room saying the Ekiti governorship poll would be a litmus test for INEC’s readiness to conduct free, credible and fair elections in 2027.

The group decried low voters’ turnout in previous polls in the state and across the country.

 

 

#EkitiDecides2026 : How to authenticate election results

Editorial
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#EkitiDecides2026 : How to authenticate election results

By Nigerian Factchecking Coalition

AS residents of Ekiti State head to the polls for the gubernatorial election today, June 20, 2026, about 1,059,360 people have registered, while 1,028,929 have collected their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). Twelve candidates, including the incumbent governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, are contesting for the highest political seat in the state.

As with other off-cycle elections, the tendency for inauthentic election results to infiltrate public space cannot be overlooked.

Below are five ways to authenticate election results:

  1. Check the source

Some political players and stakeholders share fabricated election results during the electoral process to hamper election integrity/and to favour a political party’s bias.

To avoid falling victim to misinformation, always verify the source of election results. If the information does not come from the electoral commission, reputable news organisations, or credible civil society organisations (CSOs), it should be treated with caution. Be wary of relying on social media bloggers, influencers, or political party actors, as they may share unverified or partisan information.

  1. Check the time

Fabricated election results are often circulated before official results are released. Many people are deceived because they fail to consider the timing of such claims. In some cases, fake results begin to spread while voting is still underway or before votes have been fully counted.

A simple way to verify election results is to check whether INEC has officially announced or uploaded them. If INEC has not released results for a particular ward or constituency, any version circulating online should be treated with suspicion.

Moreover, check reputable news outlets for public announcements on the release of the election results.

  1. Study the details

Beyond checking whether an election result is genuine, scrutinise its contents. Verify that the result sheet matches INEC’s official format and that the number of political parties listed corresponds with those stated by the commission. Pay close attention to the votes recorded, as manipulated results may contain figures that exceed the number of accredited voters in a polling unit.

Other red flags include incorrect party logos, irregular cancellations or alterations, and the absence of a collation officer’s signature.

  1. Engage INEC

To guard against manipulated election results, always check the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which provides real-time updates and shows the number of polling units, wards and constituencies whose results have been uploaded.

You can also verify results through INEC’s official communication channels, including its social media handles.

  1. Engage news outlets

Reputable news outlets are usually privy to any development that arises during the election process, including the announcement of results. Via their channels, online and offline, they update the public on when the election results are collated and announced by the returning officer. They also give a breakdown of these results.

  1. Engage fact-checking organisations

Fact-checking organisations play a crucial role in identifying and debunking false claims about the electoral process, including fabricated election results. They publish their findings on their websites and social media platforms.

Reporter: Cole Praise

Editor: Bamas Victoria & Simbiat Bakare

LIVE UPDATE: Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election

Editorial
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LIVE UPDATE: Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) holds off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti state, June 20.

Follow the updates below:

Ekiti shuts offices, schools on election eve as police restrict movement for poll

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Ekiti shuts offices, schools on election eve as police restrict movement for poll
PUBLIC institutions and schools were on Friday shut by the Ekiti State Government to enable  residents prepare for the governorship poll slated for Saturday, June 20.
A statement by the state government said the holiday was to ensure public safety and the uninterrupted delivery of critical services for the election.
However, hospitals and health centres, fire service departments, and other essential service providers were exempted from the work-free day.

Checks by The ICIR revealed that some schools in the state and the Old Governor’s Office, where some public offices are located, in Ado Ekiti were under lock.

It was also observed that commercial drivers and motorcyclists made brisk profits from the last-minutes movements as residents travelled to communities where they would be expected to cast their ballots.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Police Command has announced a restriction on vehicular movement across the state on Saturday.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, a superintendent of police, disclosed this in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

Abutu said the restriction would take effect from midnight (12:00 a.m) to 6:00 p.m and cover both intra-state and inter-state roads within the state.

The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the measure was part of comprehensive security arrangements aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly and violence-free election.

The police noted that the restriction would apply to all forms of motorised transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles.
Students and candidates participating in national structured examinations and assessments are exempted from the restriction and are allowed to proceed to their examination centres, the statement clarified.

“Travellers intending to pass through the state on election day are therefore advised to make alternative arrangements and use other routes.

“Accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ad-hoc staff, journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and other essential service providers will however be permitted to move during the restriction period, provided they carry valid identification and clearance tags.”

The command’s spokesperson added that movement of VIPs with armed escorts to polling units and collation centres would not be tolerated.

it further stated that “vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits and volunteer groups are also prohibited from providing security services during the election.”

Abutu advised construction companies undertaking road projects in the state to suspend active construction work for the duration of the election, citing safety concerns.

He said only personnel of recognised security agencies and organisations under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) would be authorised to provide security at polling units, collation centres and other election facilities.

He quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti Governorship Election, Abayomi Shogunle, as urging registered voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, while assuring residents of adequate security before, during and after the poll.

The state police command also urged the public to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency or through the police emergency line, 08062335577.

Earlier, the Situation Room had described the Ekiti governorship poll as a litmus test of INEC’s readiness to conduct free, credible and fair election in 2027.

This is as INEC’s data shows 1,028,929 out of 1,059,360 total registered voters collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) ahead of the exercise taking place across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas.

The state Governor Biodun Oyebanji faces challengers from 10 political parties in the election.

ICIR/FactCheckHub wins Global Fact-checking Award

Mustapha USMAN
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ICIR/FactCheckHub wins Global Fact-checking Award

THE International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and FactCheckHub have won the Gold Standard Award at the 2026 Global Fact-Checking Awards for their investigation on how artificial intelligence was weaponised to promote fraudulent investment schemes in Nigeria.

The award was announced on Friday, June 19, at GlobalFact 2026, the annual conference of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), held in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The winning investigation, authored by Nurudeen Akewushola, a senior Investigative journalist and fact-checker with The ICIR was produced by ICIR in collaboration with FactCheckHub, an IFCN signatory, with support from the Pulitzer Center.

The report titled “AI-assisted Ponzi schemes: How Meta, YouTube’s regulatory lapses enable scammers smile to banks,” examined how fraudsters exploited the growing public fascination with artificial intelligence to repackage traditional Ponzi schemes as sophisticated “AI-powered” investment platforms.

Through undercover reporting, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and digital forensic techniques, the investigation exposed how operators used deepfake videos, cloned voices, fabricated identities, and fake endorsements by public figures to lure unsuspecting victims.

The investigation also revealed how major technology platforms failed to effectively enforce their own policies against deceptive financial advertising, allowing fraudulent promotions to reach thousands of users.

In announcing the finalists earlier this month, the IFCN described the investigation as reporting that “exposed AI-assisted Ponzi schemes that caused direct financial harm to vulnerable audiences, while also revealing enforcement failures by Meta and YouTube.”

The reporter traced the operations of several purported AI-powered investment platforms, including CBEX, Quantum AI, SquaredOptions, and Modmount Limited.

The investigation found that many of the schemes were unlicensed and relied on synthetic media and deceptive marketing tactics rather than genuine artificial intelligence systems.

Following publication of the report, Meta removed several fraudulent pages, accounts, and advertisements identified during the investigation.

The Gold Standard Award is regarded as the highest honour presented by the IFCN, recognising fact-checking journalism that demonstrates exceptional standards of verification, research, transparency, fairness, and public service.

ICIR and FactCheckHub emerged ahead of finalists from Jordan and Norway in a category judged by an international panel of experts from journalism, academia, and the fact-checking community.

The award marks a significant international recognition for Nigerian journalism and highlights the growing role of investigative reporting, OSINT, and digital forensic techniques in exposing emerging forms of technology-enabled fraud.

Speaking on the recognition, the organisations described the award as a testament to the importance of rigorous, evidence-based journalism in holding powerful actors accountable and protecting the public from harm in an increasingly complex digital information environment.

Reacting to the development, Akewushola, who also is the acting team lead of the FactCheckHub said: “I am deeply honoured that this investigation has received the Gold Standard Award at the 2026 Global Fact-Checking Awards.

“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it celebrates rigorous verification, transparency, and public-interest journalism at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly being weaponised to deceive vulnerable people.”

He stressed that the award is a testament to the importance of investigative reporting and factchecking in exposing emerging threats in the digital information ecosystem.

“I am grateful to the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and FactCheckHub for providing the editorial support, guidance, and collaborative environment that made this investigation possible.

”I also sincerely thank the Pulitzer Center for supporting this investigation. Their support enabled the time, resources, and depth of reporting required to uncover a complex network of AI-driven scams operating across multiple platforms and jurisdictions,” he said.

He added that the achievement reflected the commitment of both organisations to producing impactful journalism that holds powerful actors accountable and protects the public from harm.

Investigation uncovers how Nigerians, others were exploited by visa outsourcing company

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Investigation uncovers how Nigerians, others were exploited by visa outsourcing company

For thousands of Nigerians seeking to travel abroad each year, the visa process is an expensive ordeal. This investigation by Lighthouse Reports reveals how VFS Global, the world’s largest visa outsourcing company, now faces allegations of exploiting vulnerable applicants.

A year-long cross-border investigation coordinated by Lighthouse Reports has uncovered how VFS Global, the world’s largest visa outsourcing company, built a profitable business by aggressively selling optional services to visa applicants, many of whom believed they had little choice but to pay.

The investigation found that VFS generated substantial profits from selling add-on services such as SMS notifications, courier delivery, e-visa account creation and access to premium lounges. Applicants in many countries, including Nigeria, say they sometimes feel pressured or misled into purchasing services that are not mandatory.

In response, VFS Global denied that its financial success resulted from improper practices. In a statement, the company insisted that any suggestion that “VFS Global’s financial growth has been generated through improper conduct is false.”

As the world’s largest visa outsourcing firm, VFS Global manages visa application centres on behalf of 71 governments, including several European countries.

Yet, the report, which involved 14 international media organisations, revealed that a current visa officer working for VFS in Nigeria told investigators that frontline workers face intense pressure to convince applicants to purchase additional services because bonuses from those sales can significantly exceed their monthly salaries.

It stated that most Nigerian VFS contractors earn about €126 per month, which is roughly N220,000 at current exchange rates. At the same time, commissions from selling optional services can amount to almost twice their base salaries.

The incentive structure, investigators found, encourages aggressive sales tactics directed at applicants who often assume VFS staff are speaking on behalf of foreign embassies.

Former employees in several countries allegedly admitted that optional services were sometimes added to customers’ bills without their consent because many applicants simply paid without questioning the charges.

The report argued that the outsourcing model has effectively created a captive market in which applicants have limited alternatives, particularly those from countries with relatively weak passports.

For many Nigerians applying for Schengen, UK, Canadian and other visas processed through VFS centres, the company serves as the mandatory first contact point. Although embassies determine whether visas are approved or not, applicants are generally required to submit their documents through VFS and pay both government visa fees and VFS service charges.

Lighthouse Reports said it traced many travellers across Africa, Asia and the Middle East who felt compelled to purchase additional services after being told they would speed up processing, improve convenience or were necessary to complete their applications.

They claimed that after analysing VFS Global’s financial records, they found the company’s profitability had grown dramatically. Consolidated financial statements reviewed during the investigation revealed that the company’s profits increased fourfold between 2017 and 2024 and that revenue from value-added services has become a major driver of the company’s financial growth.

Further analysis, it said, from the more than 2,000 visa application receipts obtained through Freedom of Information requests from Swedish embassies across 16 countries in Africa and Asia revealed that value-added services accounted for approximately 30 per cent of VFS’s revenue in the sampled applications.

Internal European Union documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests allegedly show that governments contracting VFS were aware of recurring shortcomings in the company’s operations but rarely imposed significant sanctions.

 

 

FG considers embedding journalists with troops to boost security reporting

Esther Tomo
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FG considers embedding journalists with troops to boost security reporting

THE Federal Government has revealed its plans to allow select journalists to accompany troops during operations against insurgents and related tasks.

According to the government, the decision will improve security reporting and deepen public understanding of ongoing counterinsurgency efforts in the country.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, a retired general, stated this on Thursday at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja. The minister was represented at the event by his Special Adviser, Olusanya Bankole, a Rear Admiral.

According to the minister, the initiative is intended to strengthen cooperation between the media and security institutions while also encouraging more openness in the communication of military activities.

Musa emphasised that journalists play a central role in how citizens perceive national security efforts, noting that modern security challenges are increasingly shaped not only by battlefield actions but also by how information is shared and interpreted.

“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilisers of government,” the minister said.

Musa added that the initiative was part of wider efforts to ensure that information reaching the public about security operations is accurate and properly contextualised.

He also noted that the effectiveness of military operations should not only be judged by operational success on the ground, but also by the level of trust and confidence the public has in security agencies.

According to him, stronger collaboration between journalists and security bodies would help reduce misinformation, improve transparency, and support better national security outcomes.

The proposal comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face several security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across different regions.

Security agencies have often been criticised for limiting access to operational zones, a situation that has, in some cases, resulted in conflicting reports, misinformation, and public doubts about what is happening in conflict areas.

THE ICIR reported the government’s concerns over how insecurity is covered in the media. It urged journalists to exercise caution in reporting terrorist-related activities.

Lagos police arrest 26 foreigners over false kidnap claim

News Agency
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Lagos police arrest 26 foreigners over false kidnap claim
THE Police Command in Lagos State has apprehended 26 foreign nationals following investigations into a reported kidnapping case that was later found to be false.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that those apprehended comprised 19 Chadians and seven Cameroonians.
A 22-year-old Cameroonian woman had reported to the police that she was kidnapped after travelling to Nigeria to meet a 39-year-old Chadian man she had been dating online.
However, investigations revealed that the report was false and was allegedly made after the woman discovered that the man was married.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, subsequently directed that the case be transferred from Area N Command, Ijede, Ikorodu, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation.
A police source told NAN on Friday that the report, made on June 16, prompted an immediate rescue operation.
According to the source, communication challenges initially complicated the case because the woman could not speak English fluently, leading officers to treat the complaint as a genuine kidnapping incident.
“The woman travelled from Cameroon to meet her lover whom she had been communicating with online but became disappointed after discovering that he was married.
“She subsequently sought a way to return home without informing him and reported that she had been kidnapped,” the source said.
The source said police operatives traced the location where the woman claimed she was being held and discovered several other foreign nationals residing in an apartment.
He said the operation led to the apprehension of the 26 foreigners, aged between 19 and 50 years, including four women.
According to him, the individuals claimed to be involved in a networking business linked to a company identified as Ignite.
“The foreigners could not provide valid travel documents, while some are suspected to have entered the country through irregular routes.
“They are currently undergoing profiling and immigration-related checks to determine their legal status and whether any laws have been violated,” the source said.
He added that the investigation was being handled by the Diplomatic and Foreigners Desk of the SCID under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department, Dayo Akinbisehin.
The source said investigations were ongoing and that appropriate action would be taken based on the outcome.
The ICIR reported recently that the Lagos State Police Command has apprehended 10 members of a syndicate for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims of millions of naira.

The suspects allegedly lured fellow Cameroonians to Nigeria with promises of securing visas, work permits and residency documents for destinations such as Mauritius, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Victims were made to pay huge sums of money for the purported travel arrangements, which never materialised.

(NAN)
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