Oyebanji Leads Ekiti Governorship Election Amid Vote-Buying Claims

Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is maintaining an early lead in the governorship election in Ekiti State, with results showing him ahead by a substantial margin. The Independent National Electoral Commission's results indicate that Oyebanji has secured 41,174 votes in the Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government Area, significantly outpacing his closest rival, Oluwol Oluyed of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 65 votes.

Allegations of vote-buying have surfaced, with reports of voters receiving cash near polling units. Dare Bejid, the candidate for the African Democratic Congress, also reported similar incidents.

Dr. Tumininu Adedeji from the Balm Gilead Foundation confirmed these allegations, while Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa expressed concerns regarding the integrity of the election process, particularly noting the presence of security personnel during these incidents. Despite the allegations, the APC has shown dominance in various wards, with Oyebanji achieving overwhelming victories across multiple polling units.