ADC Candidate Reports Good Voter Turnout But Claims of Vote-Buying Surface

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dare Bejide, said voter turnout in Saturday's election is impressive. But he believes it is affected by electoral malpractices.

Mr Bejide accused members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of giving out cash to voters at polling booths in Ilawe, Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area.

He spoke to journalists after casting his vote at his polling unit on Saturday. Mr Bejide voted at Oke Adura Polling Unit in Ilawe. He claimed that APC members were seen distributing money at the voting center.

"The APC members are bringing money here to distribute at the polling booths. We saw them and they are still doing it right away," he said. He also mentioned that law enforcement officers did not act on his complaints.

The ADC candidate called the voter turnout impressive but said it was being affected by these malpractices. "Money distribution is not part of the electoral guideline. Turnout is impressive but marred by malpractices," he stated.

Vote-buying is against the Electoral Act 2022. The law states it is an offence to entice voters with cash or gifts on election day.

PREMIUM TIMES has not been able to independently verify the claim about cash distribution.

Mr Bejide is one of the 14 candidates running in Saturday's election. Over one million voters are eligible to cast their ballots.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC is seeking a second term in this election.