Ekiti Guber: APC and ADC Accused of Massive Vote Buying with N10,000 and N2,000 Cash Offers [Video]

Allegations of vote-buying have emerged during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election, with voters in several polling units reportedly receiving cash from political party agents in exchange for their votes. The incidents were reported in Aramoko Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti West Local Government Area, where voters admitted to being offered money by representatives of major political parties. Agents of the All Progressives Congress, APC, allegedly offered N10,000 per voter, while those from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, reportedly gave N2,000. These revelations have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in the state.

At Polling Unit 004, located at Chief Ologbodo’s House in Oke Uro, Aramoko II, party agents were seen openly approaching voters with cash during the voting exercise. Witnesses confirmed that the inducements occurred in plain sight, even with election officials and security personnel present. Some voters interviewed during the exercise confirmed receiving money, describing the practice as widespread across multiple polling centres in the community. The open nature of the acts has drawn criticism from election observers and civil society groups.

The allegations surfaced hours after operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, visited Polling Unit 003 in Foutage of Oyebanji Okelele, Ward 06, Ikogosi, in the same local government area. About 10 EFCC officials arrived shortly after voting began and monitored activities around the polling unit. Although their presence was seen as a deterrent, no arrests had been made as of the time of reporting. The commission’s involvement underscores the seriousness with which electoral malpractice is being treated.

Prior to the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, along with anti-corruption agencies and civil society organisations, had issued stern warnings against voter inducement and other forms of electoral misconduct. These warnings were part of broader efforts to ensure a free, fair, and credible election. Despite these precautions, the reported incidents suggest that some political actors may be resorting to unethical tactics to influence voter behaviour.

The situation highlights the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system, even as efforts to strengthen democracy continue. With the election still ongoing, the actions of security agencies and electoral observers will be closely watched. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for public trust in the electoral process. As the nation awaits results, the need for transparency and accountability remains paramount.