Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have stormed the polling unit of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State during the ongoing Saturday's governorship election in the state. PREMIUM TIMES observed that about 10 EFCC operatives arrived at polling unit 003, Ward 06, Ikogosi, in Ekiti West Local Government Area, at approximately 9:08 a.m.
Reason for EFCC Presence
It is unclear why the anti-graft operatives arrived at the polling unit, but there are indications that their presence might be connected to concerns about possible vote buying by political parties. The operatives were seen monitoring the ongoing exercise in the polling unit where voting commenced at about 8:30 a.m.
Voting Commences Early Across Ekiti
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that voting commenced early across various polling units and local government areas in the state. Governor Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election, is the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing exercise. He is hoping to defeat 13 other contestants in the governorship poll. The governor's polling unit has a total of 668 registered voters.
Election Context
The Ekiti State governorship election is a critical test for the APC and the opposition parties. The presence of EFCC operatives at the governor's polling unit underscores the heightened vigilance against electoral malpractices, particularly vote buying, which has been a concern in previous Nigerian elections.
