The African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti State, Oluwadare Bejide, on Saturday raised concerns about vote-buying at Ilawe Ekiti. Mr Bejide was seen addressing the Nigerian Police after casting his vote at his polling unit at Oke Adura, polling unit 04, Ekiti-South West. Arguments ensued when the governorship candidate, who called the police, accused a woman of vote-buying.
Confrontation at the Polling Unit
“You brought money here; it is against the law. Yes, I saw you with money,” Mr Bejide said. However, the woman whose identity is uncertain replied, “Which money? Where is the money here? That is a big lie.” The police officer on the ground intervened between the two. Addressing Mr Bejide’s concern, the police said, “The only thing I can do for you is to provide an enabling environment; we are dropping some manpower.”
Similar Allegations in Gbonyin LGA
Similarly, allegations of vote-buying emerged in Gbonyin LGA ward 06, polling unit 15 at approximately 10:18 a.m. Party agents reportedly distributed N10,000 to voters in a nearby secluded area after verifying their identity tags. The incidents highlight ongoing concerns about electoral integrity in the Ekiti governorship election.
