The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Nigeria’s electoral process of descending into vote-buying, describing the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election as a clear example of democratic erosion. Atofarati Sanya, the PDP spokesperson in Ekiti State, made the allegation during an interview on Arise Television on Saturday night, following the state’s gubernatorial polls. He stated that the conduct of the election revealed widespread irregularities, including open vote trading by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP claims that despite the presence of security agencies at polling units, these violations went unchecked, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
Sanya emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy has been reduced to a system where votes are bought and sold, rather than being freely exercised as required by the Electoral Act. He described the scenes witnessed in Ekiti as “sad and unfortunate,” pointing to the visible presence of APC agents at polling stations engaging in what he called “unlawful electoral activities.” According to him, the lack of decisive intervention by security personnel allowed these practices to flourish, raising serious concerns about the credibility of the election outcome.
The PDP’s criticism centers on the alleged unchecked behavior of APC members, who were reportedly seen offering incentives to voters in exchange for their support. Sanya argued that such actions violate the principles of free and fair elections enshrined in Nigerian law. He also questioned the effectiveness of security agencies deployed to maintain order, noting that their presence did not prevent the observed electoral malpractices. The party insists that the situation in Ekiti reflects a broader national trend where political power is increasingly secured through financial influence rather than public mandate.
This development comes amid growing concerns over electoral integrity across Nigeria, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach. The PDP’s statement adds to the mounting pressure on electoral authorities and security agencies to enforce stricter oversight during voting processes. Observers have noted that allegations of vote-buying are not new in Nigerian politics, but their persistence in high-stakes elections like the one in Ekiti raises alarm about the state of democratic governance. The party has called for a thorough investigation into the incidents and for accountability measures to be taken against those involved.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its electoral landscape, the events in Ekiti serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country’s democratic institutions. The outcome of this election and the response to these allegations will likely influence voter confidence and political participation in future polls. The PDP’s claims may prompt renewed calls for electoral reforms and stronger enforcement of existing laws to safeguard the democratic process.
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