Allegations of vote buying have emerged at Polling Unit 003 in Okelele, Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government Area—the polling unit of the incumbent Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji—during Saturday’s governorship election.
A voter at the unit, identified as Oladimeji Nafiu Abiodun, claimed he received a payment of N5,000 to cast his ballot. When questioned on the source of the funds, Abiodun alleged that the money was distributed through associates of the governor.
However, these allegations remain independently unverified, and there is currently no evidence directly linking Governor Oyebanji to the claims.
The polling unit, located opposite the governor’s family compound, had already drawn scrutiny earlier in the day when observers noted that only the polling agent for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogundele Oluwatosin, was present to monitor the accreditation and voting process.
Security personnel on-site, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), stated they did not witness any financial transactions. The officers noted that the primary responsibility for monitoring electoral offenses lies with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC officials present at the polling unit declined to comment on the allegations.
Governor Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term under the APC banner, faces challenges from several key contenders, including Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Oyebanji Olajuyin of the Labour Party (LP), and Ambassador Oluwadare Patrick Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside candidates from other registered political parties.
