Democracy For Sale?” – ADC Candidate Alleges Massive Vote Trading In Ekiti Poll

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State, Dare Abejide, has criticised the recently concluded governorship election, describing it as a setback for democracy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Abejide alleged that the poll, which returned Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term, was characterised by widespread vote-buying and voter intimidation.

According to him, the election day reflected poorly on the democratic process in the state.

“Yesterday was a sad day for democracy in Ekiti. It was a day when democratic values were undermined. Polling units, including my own, turned into political marketplaces where votes were openly solicited, bought and sold,” he said.

Abejide further accused security personnel of failing to remain neutral, claiming they neglected their responsibilities and sided with those he described as oppressors.

He also alleged that the ruling party capitalised on the economic hardship facing residents to influence voter behaviour.

“The government has weaponised poverty, making it easier to induce voters with money,” he stated.

Despite the allegations, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the election conducted across the state’s 16 local government areas.

INEC announced that Oyebanji secured 319,224 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Oluwole Oluyede, who polled 40,543 votes, while Abejide finished third with 12,872 votes.

Questioning the credibility of the exercise, the ADC candidate claimed the process appeared manipulated.

“It looked more like a battleground than an election. I suspect the outcome may have been predetermined and simply entered into the system,” he alleged.

On whether he would challenge the result, Abejide said consultations were ongoing within the party before any decision is taken.

“Our immediate priority is to engage with party stakeholders and gather results from all polling units. After reviewing the data, we will determine the most appropriate course of action,” he added.