Allegations Of Vote Buying, Late Arrival Of Materials, Officials, Trail Ekiti Gov Election

By Ayodele Oni

There are mixed reactions to the governorship election in Ekiti state on Saturday as results are being collated at wards level.

Report indicate peaceful conduct of the election as people trooped out to vote, but early morning reaction indicated a possible low turn out.

Except in few cases the BVN machines met voters expectations, as they were accredited and cast their votes early and left for their homes.

The security situation was normal as there was no reported cases of violence while voting lasted.

Hon. Biodun Omoleye, member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections, describing the exercise as a positive indication of improvements in the electoral process.

Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 13, Iloro/Ijurin Ward, Omoleye said the electoral process had been smooth and devoid of intimidation or violence.

According to him, reports from across the constituency indicated that the election was being conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, with voters turning out early to participate in the exercise.

“Everything is peaceful and orderly. The system is working. I must commend the electoral body for the improvement we are witnessing.

“This is a standard that deserves recognition, and I also commend all stakeholders involved in the process,” he said.

The federal lawmaker noted that voters arrived at polling units as early as 7:00 a.m., while election officials and security personnel carried out their responsibilities effectively.

Omoleye also praised security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the exercise, saying their presence had contributed significantly to the peaceful environment observed across the state.

“I have gone round different areas, and everywhere remains peaceful. Everything has gone well here, and I commend the security agents and all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the exercise,” he stated.

However, allegations of vote-buying  emerged during, with several voters claiming they received cash of Ten Thousand Naira each from political parties in exchange for their votes.

A visit to multiple polling units in Aramoko Ekiti, the hometown of the mother of incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji, where some voters admitted receiving money to support candidates in the election.

At least five voters interviewed separately alleged that they were each paid N10,000 to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The voters described the practice as widespread across several polling units in the community.

Party agents, according to investigation allegedly offered N10,000 in exchange for support for Governor Oyebanji, while the ADC representative allegedly offered N2,000 for a vote in favour of the opposition party.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) visited Governor Oyebanji’s polling unit in Ikogosi following reports of vote-buying in parts of the state.

According to earlier reports, about 10 EFCC officials arrived at Polling Unit 003, Ward 06, Ikogosi, in Ekiti West Local Government Area shortly after voting commenced on Saturday to monitor activities around the polling centre. No arrests were announced during the visit.

The EFCC’s presence followed repeated warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations and anti-corruption agencies against voter inducement and other forms of electoral malpractice.

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, raised concerns over alleged irregularities, claiming that delays and the conduct of electoral officials threatened the integrity of the voting process.

Oluyede made the allegation while speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 6, Ward 3, Osagulu Hall, Ado-Ekiti.

The PDP candidate expressed concern over what he described as an unjustified delay in the commencement of voting despite the early arrival of voters and election materials at the polling unit.

According to him, sensitive election materials were delivered to the polling centre early, while voters, including himself, arrived as early as 6:30 a.m.

He, however, noted that voting had yet to begin as of 9:45 a.m. Oluyede said neither INEC officials nor security personnel offered any satisfactory explanation for the delay, leaving voters waiting for several hours without clarity on when accreditation and voting would commence.

“The security officials and INEC personnel, without giving any reasonable explanation, stalled the voting process and kept the people waiting for several hours.

“I joined other voters on the queue very early this morning, yet up till now there has been no clear explanation as to why voting has not started,” he said.

The PDP flagbearer further alleged that the delay formed part of a broader pattern of intimidation and improper conduct capable of discouraging voter participation and compromising the integrity of the election.

The Governorship Candidate of the Accord Party, Opeyemi David Falegan (ODF), exercised his civic right by casting his vote and urged all eligible voters to participate peacefully in the electoral process.

Speaking after voting, ODF condemned all forms of vote buying, describing the practice as a threat to democracy and the will of the people.

He called on voters to reject any attempt to influence their choices through financial inducements or other illegal means.

He also expressed concern over reports of security personnel intimidating voters in some areas, stressing that security agencies must remain neutral and professional throughout the election. According to him, every citizen has the constitutional right to vote freely without fear, harassment, or intimidation.

He added that “Democracy can only thrive when elections are free, fair, and conducted without intimidation or manipulation. I call on all stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the ballot and respect the will of the electorate,” he stated.