Reports emerging from Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election indicate widespread allegations of vote-buying across several polling units, raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
According to eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media, suspected political party operatives were seen allegedly offering cash inducements ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000 to voters before and after they cast their ballots.
The situation reportedly became tense in some areas when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) moved to arrest individuals suspected of engaging in vote-buying activities. However, the anti-graft officials were met with resistance from members of the public, who were seen jeering and confronting them, forcing the operatives to retreat from the affected locations.
Election observers expressed concern over the persistence of vote-buying despite repeated efforts by electoral stakeholders, civil society groups, and government agencies to discourage the practice.
“Despite sustained sensitisation campaigns highlighting the dangers of vote trading and its adverse impact on democracy, the practice remains deeply entrenched,” an election observer said.
Another observer described vote-buying as one of the most significant threats to free and fair elections in Nigeria, noting that it undermines voter independence and public confidence in democratic institutions.
The incidents have renewed calls for stronger enforcement measures and greater voter education to curb electoral malpractice and safeguard the integrity of elections.
Meanwhile, election observer groups and media organisations are expected to release comprehensive assessments of the conduct of the poll in the coming days, providing a clearer picture of the election process across the state