A civil society group, the Democratic Integrity Forum, has alleged that the conduct of the recent 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State exposed what it described as the partiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the development could pose serious dangers to the credibility of the 2027 general election.
The allegation was contained in a press statement signed by the National Coordinator of the Democratic Integrity Forum, Barr. Godwin Omini, in which the group expressed concern over what it called troubling developments during the off-season governorship poll held over the weekend in Ekiti State.
According to the statement, “The weekend’s off-season governorship election in Ekiti State has once again brought to the fore serious concerns about the conduct and neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
The group said the developments had raised “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,” the statement said.
It further alleged that the PVCs “were reportedly distributed to non-indigenes in a manner that compromised the electoral process and undermined the will of genuine voters in Ekiti State.”
According to the group, the alleged development pointed to “a troubling pattern of partiality that erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.”
The forum also raised concerns over what it described as the disclosure of sensitive voter information by an APC chieftain, Lere Olayinka, regarding an aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Emeka Ike.
It added that the information shared suggested that “sensitive voter data may have been accessed through allies within INEC.”
The group argued that any access by government officials or political party agents to citizens’ biometric and personal data ahead of elections posed “a direct threat to the integrity, confidentiality, and security of the electoral process.”
It warned that when political parties or government officials gain access to voter registers, polling unit data or other sensitive electoral information before elections, it creates an uneven playing field.
“This not only enables targeted manipulation, voter suppression, or inducement but also compromises the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot,” the statement said.
The forum stressed that Nigerians deserved “an electoral body that is truly independent, transparent, and insulated from partisan influence.”
“These incidents from the Ekiti election are not isolated. They reflect deeper systemic vulnerabilities that, if left unaddressed, could fatally undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections,” the statement added.
The group called on Nigerians across political divides to demand a full investigation into the allegations and urged INEC to demonstrate accountability.
It specifically called on the electoral commission to conduct “a full audit of voter data access and PVC distribution in Ekiti State” and prosecute any officials found to have engaged in partisan activities.
The forum also urged INEC to strengthen its data protection measures to prevent unauthorised access and reassure the public through reforms that would guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
“The credibility of our democracy hangs in the balance,” the statement said.
The group further appealed to civil society organisations (CSOs)Voter, the international community, the media and Nigerians to insist that INEC discharge its constitutional responsibilities impartially.
“Anything less will further erode trust in the electoral process and jeopardise the stability of our nation,” the statement added.
