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Oyebanji Wins Ekiti Guber Election in Landslide Victory

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Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, securing another four-year term in office.

The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, announced the result at about 3:13 a.m. on Sunday after the completion of collation from the state’s 16 local government areas.

According to the results, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challengers.

READ ALSO: Ekiti Poll Shock: ADC Candidate Loses Home Ward to Oyebanji

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, secured 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) garnered 12,872 votes.

Oladiji disclosed that 384,940 voters were accredited for the election, while 375,777 valid votes were recorded. She added that 6,332 votes were rejected, bringing the total votes cast to 382,109.

The declaration ended a closely watched governorship contest that saw voters across Ekiti State head to the polls on Saturday amid a generally peaceful atmosphere.

Despite the successful conduct of the election, reports of technical challenges and allegations of irregularities emerged from some polling units.

INEC said all 2,445 polling units designated for the election opened for voting.

According to the commission, 2,257 polling units, representing 92.31 per cent, opened before 8:30 a.m., while 188 polling units experienced minor delays but commenced voting before 10:30 a.m.

The electoral body also began uploading polling unit results to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) after voting and counting were completed in several locations.

During the election, PDP candidate Oluwole Oluyede raised concerns over developments at Ugele/Arokun Ward in Ikere Local Government Area.

Speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Polling Unit 006, he alleged that many voters were unable to vote because of challenges associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Oluyede also alleged voter harassment and intimidation in the area.

Earlier, some elderly voters at the same polling unit expressed frustration after they were unable to complete accreditation due to BVAS issues and called on INEC to urgently address the problem.

ADC candidate Dare Bejide also alleged irregularities during the election.

However, Governor Oyebanji dismissed the allegations and insisted that those making such claims must provide evidence.

The governor, who voted at Polling Unit 003, Okelele, Ikogosi-Ekiti, in Ekiti West Local Government Area, described the conduct of the election as satisfactory and encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the democratic process.

Similarly, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, stated that no case of vote-buying was reported to security agencies during the poll.

Voting ended before 3 p.m. in many polling units, after which sorting and counting of ballots commenced. However, some locations experienced minor disruptions.

At Polling Unit 008 in Ugele/Arokun Ward, Ikere Local Government Area, sorting and counting reportedly became rowdy as party agents and supporters disagreed over the validity of some ballot papers.

At Polling Unit 006, where the PDP candidate voted, voting was still ongoing as of 4 p.m. due to delays caused by accreditation challenges.

Security personnel later intervened to restore order when the situation became tense.

Election observers generally commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise while raising concerns about some procedural issues.

First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sebastian Anyia, described the process as peaceful and orderly, expressing optimism that the smooth conduct witnessed during accreditation would continue throughout the election.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Brenda Anugwom, praised the determination shown by female voters.

“The women are so resilient; in front of me at the other polling unit, they are laying their blankets on the floor and placing their toddlers, which means they are here to stay; they mean business, and they really want to cast their vote,” she said.

Meanwhile, election monitoring group Yiaga Africa raised concerns over what it described as discrepancies between ballot papers, result sheets and INEC’s published list of candidates.

In a statement signed by Aisha Abdullahi, Chair of the 2026 Ekiti Election Observation Mission, and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, the organisation said:
“Yiaga Africa is observing the Ekiti State governorship election, and our preliminary findings raise serious concerns about the consistency of the materials INEC has deployed.”

The group warned that the inconsistencies could create confusion during voting and collation processes.

Reacting to the concerns, INEC explained that 19 political parties were included on the ballot paper to avoid the cost of printing fresh ballot papers following court orders and other administrative changes.

Ahead of the election, INEC repeatedly assured residents of its readiness to conduct a credible and transparent poll, while security agencies stated that extensive preparations had been made to ensure a peaceful exercise.

The Nigeria Police Force led a multi-agency security operation across the state, deploying personnel to polling units, collation centres and other strategic locations.

Authorities also imposed restrictions on vehicular movement during voting hours and warned political actors against violence, vote-buying and other electoral offences.

With the declaration of the final result, Oyebanji has secured a second term as governor of Ekiti State after recording a decisive victory over his opponents in the governorship election.

Election Results

Biodun Oyebanji (APC) – 319,224 votes
Oluwole Oluyede (PDP) – 40,543 votes
Dare Bejide (ADC) – 12,872 votes

Election Statistics

Accredited Voters: 384,940
Valid Votes: 375,777
Rejected Votes: 6,332
Total Votes Cast: 382,109

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₦2.3tn Kaduna Rally Claim: APC Accuses Atiku, ADC of Fake News Plot

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of allegedly plotting to discredit the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna through the circulation of fake news, fabricated documents and manipulated videos.

The council alleged that the plan involved the use of artificial intelligence (AI), deepfake videos and counterfeit documents to mislead the public and damage the reputations of President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and other APC leaders.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, said the alleged disinformation campaign had been underway in the 24 hours preceding the rally.

ALSO READ: ‘Nigeria Is Doomed Under Tinubu’ — Kenneth Okonkwo Backs Atiku for 2027

Alake claimed that one of the alleged attempts involved the circulation of a photograph showing a security vehicle on routine patrol near an APC campaign billboard in Kaduna metropolis.

According to him, the photograph was misrepresented to suggest that security personnel had been deployed specifically to protect APC campaign billboards.

The council alleged that a national newspaper subsequently published a report based on the photograph, which Atiku then shared on his official social media accounts.

The statement described the sequence of events as a coordinated attempt to generate attention and undermine the APC campaign.

APC Rejects Alleged ₦2.3tn Kaduna Rally Expenditure

The APC council also raised concerns over a purported letter circulating online, allegedly written by Governor Uba Sani and addressed to the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.

The alleged letter claimed that the Kaduna State Government had released ₦2.3 trillion to host the APC rally.

Rejecting the claim, Alake questioned how a state government could spend such an amount on a political rally, arguing that the figure exceeded Kaduna State’s combined budgets for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

According to the statement, Kaduna State’s budgets stood at ₦458.271 billion in 2024, ₦790.439 billion in 2025 and ₦985.9 billion in 2026.

“The combined Kaduna State budgets for 2024 (₦458.271 billion), 2025 (₦790.439 billion), and 2026 (₦985.9 billion) are still less than ₦2.3 trillion,” the statement said.

Alake described the purported letter as fabricated and questioned the credibility of the allegation concerning the state’s expenditure on the rally.

APC Warns of Alleged Deepfake Videos

The council further alleged that the photograph and purported letter were only part of a broader plan to discredit the campaign.

It claimed that old, doctored and deepfake videos would be circulated as the rally progressed to create the impression that residents were dissatisfied with the APC and its leaders.

The council said the alleged tactics were intended to manipulate public opinion through mainstream media and social media platforms.

“We hereby use this opportunity to alert the general public about this malicious and ignoble plan,” Alake said.

He urged Nigerians to exercise caution when encountering information about the rally, particularly photographs, official-looking documents and videos circulating online.

APC Criticises Atiku, ADC

The APC Presidential Campaign Council also criticised Atiku and the ADC, alleging that they were prepared to employ various tactics in their efforts to gain political power.

In the statement, the council described the ADC as Atiku’s “special-purpose vehicle” and questioned the opposition’s approach to the political contest.

It further alleged that the former vice president and his political associates would resort to what it described as desperate measures to undermine the ruling party.

The council concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject what it characterised as a coordinated disinformation campaign.

“We urge Nigerians to be vigilant and reject their machinations,” Alake said.

 

 

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‘Show Nigerians Where the Money Is’ — ADC Challenges Tinubu Over ₦10bn Ebola Fund

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ADC Not Supporting Your Unruly Behavior, BoT Chair Replies PDP, LP

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to account for the ₦10 billion reportedly earmarked for Ebola emergency preparedness, demanding explanations over claims that the funds remain untouched despite a confirmed Ebola case in Abuja.

The party also questioned the government’s response to the reported case, calling for the publication of financial records and a detailed timeline of the emergency response.

In a press statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for focusing on defending Tinubu against criticism by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar rather than addressing questions about the emergency fund.

ALSO READ: Why Ebola Outbreaks Keep Returning to Africa, Dr Jean Kaseya Explains

The statement recalled that the Presidency announced on June 9 that Tinubu had ordered the immediate release of ₦10 billion for Ebola emergency preparedness.

However, the ADC said the APC had subsequently described the fund as “untouched”, raising questions about whether the money was released and why it had not been utilised.

“Was the money released or was it not? If it was released, where is it held, who controls it, and why has it not been used for the preparedness President Tinubu announced?” the statement asked.

The party called on the government to publish the release documents, account records and expenditure reports of the task force responsible for the emergency response.

It maintained that the administration should provide documentary evidence to clarify the status of the funds.

ADC Questions Ebola Response Timeline

The ADC also questioned the timeline of the government’s response to the reported Ebola case, seeking clarification on when the disease was first suspected and when public health authorities were alerted.

Citing the World Health Organization’s account, the statement said the patient developed symptoms on October 7, sought treatment at a private health facility on October 11, and received laboratory confirmation on October 20.

Shaibu asked the government to explain when Ebola was first suspected, when testing was ordered, when public health authorities were notified and when contact tracing began.

The party also challenged the APC’s claim that surveillance systems alerted the government to the case, demanding details of the agency responsible and the actions taken following the alert.

“The APC claims surveillance ‘tipped off’ the government. Then publish the timeline. Name the agency that raised the alert, give the date and explain the action taken,” the statement said.

The ADC further noted that the 44 identified contacts mentioned in the response required adequate health protection and monitoring.

Party Calls for Protection of Health Workers

The opposition party emphasised the need to provide health workers involved in treating the patient and tracing contacts with adequate protective equipment and resources.

It said demands for accountability over the government’s preparedness should not be interpreted as criticism of the health workers carrying out their duties.

“Health workers treating the patient and tracing contacts deserve protection, equipment and every resource needed to act quickly,” the statement said.

The party also urged the Tinubu administration to ensure that public health measures were not used to interfere with political campaigns or voting.

It called for the publication of any proposed restrictions, their medical justification and the advice of relevant health authorities.

According to the ADC, public health guidelines should prioritise the protection of citizens and should not become political instruments.

ADC Demands Accountability Over ₦10bn Fund

The ADC maintained that the government and the APC owed Nigerians an explanation over the apparent contradiction between the Presidency’s June announcement and the subsequent claim that the funds remained untouched.

It urged the administration to provide records showing whether the money was released, where it was held and how it had been managed.

“President Tinubu ordered ₦10 billion released in June. His party now says it is untouched. That contradiction came from the Presidency and the APC. They should resolve it with records,” the statement said.

The party concluded by demanding transparency over the emergency fund, a clear account of the government’s response timeline and adequate protection for health workers and identified contacts.

“Show Nigerians where the money is. Explain the response timeline. Protect health workers. Trace every contact,” Shaibu said.

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Peter Obi Meets UK Officials, Diaspora Stakeholders on Rebuilding Nigeria

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for collective efforts to rebuild Nigeria, tackle corruption and end bad leadership, saying the country must work for everyone rather than a privileged few.

Obi made the call on in a statement titled “Rebuilding Nigeria” following his arrival in London from Basel, Switzerland, at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

He disclosed that his busy schedule included several engagements and meetings with stakeholders in the United Kingdom, including British government officials and members of the Nigerian diaspora.

SEE ALSO: Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over ₦7.7tn Debt Interest Against ₦6.2tn Revenue

According to him, he rounded off the day with an evening meeting organised by the COPDEM Chief and the NDC Director of Diaspora Affairs, which brought together other stakeholders in London.

Obi said the discussions centred on the collective responsibility of Nigerians to free the country from bad leadership, corruption and a lack of accountability, which he identified as challenges undermining national development.

He noted that these challenges had deprived millions of Nigerians of access to basic necessities, including quality healthcare, education and decent employment.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that Nigerians deserved a country where every life mattered, hard work was rewarded and citizens had a fair opportunity to succeed regardless of their backgrounds or connections.

“We must build a Nigeria where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. A country that works for everyone, not just a privileged few,” he said.

Obi expressed optimism about the country’s future, declaring that “A New Nigeria is POssible.”

 

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