The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Dare Bejide, has rejected the outcome of the Ekiti State election, describing the exercise as lacking credibility.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, Bejide alleged that the election was conducted in an atmosphere he likened to a war zone.
He accused the ruling party of influencing voters through vote buying, claiming money and food items were openly distributed at polling units.
According to him, the government should have relied on its achievements instead of trying to sway voters.
“I reject the result completely because the process was not credible,” Bejide said.
He stated that some polling units, including his own, experienced tension and disorder during the exercise.
Bejide also alleged that political appointees and a serving senator mobilised thugs and security personnel to intimidate voters.
“In some places, it looked like the election was happening only in my polling unit. It is a sad day for democracy,” he said.
The ADC candidate further claimed that large sums of money were moved around and spent openly to buy votes.
“If the government had performed well, there would have been no need to depend on money to secure votes,” he added.
Bejide said he was still reviewing the election results and would decide on the next line of action after studying them.
He noted that his team was collating results from various polling units and would brief party members once the process was completed.
“At this stage, we are not satisfied with how the election was conducted,” he said.
He, however, urged his supporters and residents of Ekiti State to remain calm and peaceful while the party determines its next move.
The Ekiti governorship election has stirred controversy following the declaration of the winner by the electoral commission. While the ruling party celebrated its victory, opposition parties have raised concerns over the conduct of the poll.
Among them is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mr. Dare Bejide, who has openly rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities, voter intimidation, and vote buying.
Bejide’s reaction adds to the growing tension surrounding the election, as political observers continue to assess the credibility of the process and its implications for democracy in Ekiti State.
BACKSTORY…
Before the controversy trailing the Ekiti governorship election, the race had been largely shaped by intense campaigns, political realignments, and promises by candidates to tackle key issues such as infrastructure, education, and economic growth in the state.
The election drew significant attention as major political parties battled for control of Ekiti, with voters expecting a keenly contested poll. Security was also heightened across the state ahead of the exercise to ensure peace and order.
However, shortly after the results were announced, opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), began raising concerns over the conduct of the election, setting the stage for the current dispute over its credibility.
