Governor Sani Praises Ekiti Election Transparency
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has hailed the conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election, describing it as transparent and credible. This comes amid widespread allegations of vote buying during the polls. The governor, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks while addressing journalists after casting his vote at his polling unit in Kaduna. He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for ensuring a smooth process.
Vote Buying Allegations Surface
Despite the governor's praise, observers and opposition parties reported incidents of vote buying in several polling units across Ekiti State. Civil society organisations monitoring the election noted that cash was allegedly distributed to voters by agents of various political parties. The situation has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, although INEC officials have yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
Security and Voter Turnout
Governor Sani also noted that the deployment of security personnel was adequate, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere. He urged all stakeholders to accept the outcome once results are announced. Voter turnout was reportedly moderate, with long queues observed in some areas early in the day. The election is seen as a test of the APC's popularity in the South-West region, with the party seeking to retain control of the state.
Opposition Reactions
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties have rejected the governor's assessment, calling for a thorough investigation into the vote-buying claims. They argue that the practice undermines democracy and disenfranchises genuine voters. Meanwhile, the APC has dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting that the election was free and fair.
