Vote Buying Allegations Disrupt Ekiti Governorship Election

During the Ekiti State governorship election, allegations of vote buying emerged, particularly in Aramoko, the hometown of incumbent governor Biodun Oyebanji, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC). Reports indicated that party agents were openly offering cash to voters, with at least five individuals admitting to receiving 10,000 naira to influence their voting choices.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various anti-corruption bodies had previously warned against such practices. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives attempted to monitor the situation but faced significant resistance from voters at polling units, particularly unit 10 in Ward B, Iyin Ekiti.

Voters confronted the EFCC officials, demanding their departure, which resulted in the operatives leaving the scene. The election featured 1,059,360 registered voters across 2,445 polling units, with a notable turnout and competition between Oyebanji and Dare Bejid of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).