#EkitiDecides2026: Review of Fact-checking Claims During the 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election
The 2026 Ekiti State governorship election witnessed a surge in misinformation, misleading claims, recycled content, manipulated images, and unverified allegations circulating across social media...
The 2026 Ekiti State governorship election witnessed a surge in misinformation, misleading claims, recycled content, manipulated images, and unverified allegations circulating across social media platforms. Many of these claims sought to undermine public confidence in electoral institutions, influence voter perceptions, or create confusion about political developments.
This review examines key election-related claims fact-checked by NDRFactCheck in the days before and during the poll, outlining the claims, verification methods, and final verdicts.
- Allegation that INEC Distributed Uncollected PVCs to non-indigenes
An X user shared a video alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was distributing uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to non-indigenes for use in vote-buying during the election.
The video was subjected to a detailed review. Our review found that no identifiable INEC officials appeared in the footage. The video failed to support the serious allegation that INEC distributed PVCs to non-indigenes. Read more here
- Claim that Accord and NDC Officially Endorsed PDP Candidate Dr Wole Oluyede
A Facebook post claimed that the Accord Party and National Democratic Congress (NDC) had endorsed PDP governorship candidate Dr. Wole Oluyede.
The investigation examined statements attributed to party officials and assessed whether the endorsements originated from the recognised decision-making organs of the parties. Findings showed that some individuals within the state leadership structures expressed support for Oluyede.
No evidence showed that the parties themselves formally adopted the endorsement through recognised party organs, as the endorsement came from individuals, not from the parties as institutions. Read more here.
- Viral Video of Isan Ekiti Police Station Fire
A viral video claimed that youths set a police station ablaze in Isan Ekiti as part of election-related violence.
Our fact-checker traced the incident and reviewed statements issued by security authorities. Findings revealed that the incident followed public anger over the death of a resident. The commissioner of police in charge of elections, CP Abayomi Shogunle, clarified that the event was not election-related.
While the incident did occur, it had no connection to the governorship election. Read more here
- Viral Image Purporting to Show Lere Olayinka and Isaac Fayose Fighting
A photograph allegedly showed political figures Lere Olayinka and Isaac Fayose involved in a physical altercation during the election period.
The image underwent forensic visual assessment. Our findings revealed distorted hand formations, blended facial features, and inconsistent clothing details, as well as unrealistic background elements typical of AI-generated imagery.
The image was AI-generated and did not depict a real event. Read more here.
- Claim that Ekiti State Records Over 80 Percent SSCE Pass Rate
The director-general of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s campaign claimed that Ekiti State’s SSCE pass rate exceeds 80 percent.
NDRFactCheck reviewed publicly available examination records and data from WAEC.
The review established that publicly available WAEC records did not support the claim. Existing reports about Ekiti focused on literacy rates rather than examination pass rates. Literacy indicators cannot be substituted for WAEC performance statistics. Read more here.
- Viral Semovita-and-APC Placard Photo
A photograph showing individuals carrying packs of semovita and APC placards was presented as evidence of events occurring in Ekiti State during the election.
The image was traced through reverse-image searches and comparison with earlier reports.
Findings showed that the image predated the Ekiti governorship election, as it originated from political activity in Oyo State. We also found that the image was recirculated with a misleading caption linking it to Ekiti. The image was authentic but falsely connected to the Ekiti election. Read more here.
- False Candidate Withdrawal and Endorsement Narratives
Social media posts claimed that PDP candidate Dr Wole Oluyede had endorsed Accord Party candidate Opeyemi David Falegan.
Our fact-checker contacted campaign officials, reviewed INEC records, and examined credible media reports. While campaign aides denied the claim, INEC records contained no evidence of withdrawal or endorsement, and no credible media organisation reported such a development. Read more here.
- Claim that SDP Abandoned Its Governorship Candidate
The SDP was said to have abandoned its governorship candidate, Peter Obafemi, and adopted Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The investigation reviewed the Electoral Act and examined statements from party stakeholders. Findings established that withdrawal of candidature requires a formal written process under the Electoral Act. Findings revealed no evidence that the candidate formally withdrew. While some state-level leaders endorsed Oyebanji, the candidate and national leadership disputed the move. Read more here.
- Claim that a Former Governor Imported 5,000 Thugs into Ekiti
Isaac Fayose alleged that a former governor imported 5,000 thugs into Ekiti ahead of the election.
The video containing the allegation was reviewed for supporting evidence. Our investigation found that the claim relied entirely on an unnamed source with no documents, security reports, witnesses, or official statements presented.
Our fact-checkers also reviewed electoral regulations and found that voters cannot legally vote in another state without proper voter-transfer procedures. Read more here.
- Pre-election analysis predicted how algorithms spread false claims of candidate withdrawals and endorsements before the Ekiti Governorship election
Analysis of the fact-checks in the days leading up to the Ekiti election reveals several recurring patterns.
- False Endorsement Narratives
Several claims falsely suggested that candidates had withdrawn, defected, or endorsed rivals. These claims sought to create confusion among voters and alter perceptions of political momentum.
- Institutional Distrust Narratives
Claims targeting INEC attempted to undermine public confidence in electoral processes by alleging PVC manipulation and voter fraud without evidence.
iii. Recycled and Mis-contextualised Content
Old images and events from other states were repackaged as current developments in Ekiti to generate outrage and engagement.
- AI-Generated Visual Misinformation
The election period saw the use of synthetic images depicting political figures in fabricated situations.
- Security and Violence Rumours
Unverified claims about violence, arson, and imported thugs sought to heighten public anxiety and create perceptions of instability. Read more here.
Conclusion
The Ekiti governorship election showed how misinformation can feed on political rivalry, institutional distrust, and public anxiety. Most false or misleading claims reviewed were based on unverified videos, recycled images, anonymous sources, or fabricated narratives rather than verifiable evidence.
The verification process consistently showed the importance of consulting official records, reviewing primary evidence, contacting relevant stakeholders, tracing the origins of digital content, and distinguishing between allegations and facts.
As digital information increasingly shapes elections, sustained fact-checking, media literacy, rapid response systems, and responsible platform governance remain essential to protecting electoral integrity and informed democratic participation.
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