APC Defeats ADC Candidate at His Own Polling Unit
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Ekiti State governorship election, Dare Bejide, suffered a defeat at his polling unit as Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the flagbearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), secured a commanding lead. At Unit 4, Ward 2, Ilawe-Ekiti in Ekiti Southwest local government area, early results showed the APC with 140 votes against the ADC's 37, according to The Nation.
Security Intervention Amid Reports of Violence and Vote-Buying
Reports emerged of violence and attempted vote-buying at the unit, but security operatives intervened swiftly to restore order. The Police Commissioner in charge of the election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, visited the unit and downplayed the incidents, describing them as minor skirmishes typical for a high-stakes election. He stated that the process was ongoing without significant hitch.
Other parties recorded minimal votes: the African Action Congress (AAC) secured two votes, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got one vote, and both the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Action Democratic Party (ADP) each recorded one vote.
Context and Reaction
The defeat at his own polling unit is a significant symbolic blow to Bejide, who had hoped to unseat the incumbent governor. The quick intervention of security forces prevented any escalation of violence, ensuring the continuation of the electoral process. The Ekiti governorship election is being closely watched as a test of the APC's strength in the state.
