Oyebanji Takes Early Lead As Vote-buying Claim Trails Election

Oyebanji Takes Early Lead As Vote-buying Claim Trails Election

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji moved into an early lead in Saturday’s governorship election as results uploaded to INEC’s viewing portal showed the APC ahead in many polling units across the state.

The governor secured strong support in several local government areas, opening a wide gap over PDP candidate Oluwole Oluyede and ADC candidate Dare Bejide.

Results from parts of Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ilejemeje, Moba, Ido/Osi, Ado and Efon local government areas showed the APC recording commanding victories in many polling units.

The ruling party swept several wards by large margins, while opposition parties managed only a handful of votes in many locations as collation continued.

Despite the peaceful atmosphere reported in most areas, allegations of vote-buying dominated discussions around the election.

Opposition figures, election observers and civil society groups reported cases of voter inducement, while police authorities maintained that no verified complaints had been officially recorded.

Some voters also resisted the presence of anti-corruption operatives deployed to monitor the exercise.

The election was further affected by BVAS challenges that slowed accreditation, particularly for elderly voters whose fingerprints and facial features could not be captured.

However, voter turnout remained impressive in many communities, while local and international observers described the poll as generally orderly, inclusive and peaceful despite isolated concerns over inducement, intimidation and technical issues.