#EkitiDecides2026: ADC candidate raises concerns about vote-buying

Ekiti, Nigeria – Oluwadare Bejide, the gubernatorial candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State, voiced concerns over alleged vote-buying during the ongoing election. Bejide reported an incident at his polling unit in Ilawe Ekiti, where he confronted a woman accused of distributing money to voters.

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You brought money here; it is against the law. Yes, I saw you with money.

Speaking to the Nigerian Police at Oke Adura polling unit 04, Ekiti-South West, Bejide stated, "You brought money here; it is against the law. Yes, I saw you with money." The woman denied the accusation, responding, "Which money? Where is the money here? That is a big lie." A police officer intervened to de-escalate the situation, assuring Bejide that additional manpower would be deployed to ensure an enabling environment.

Similar allegations of vote-buying emerged in Gbonyin Local Government Area. Reports indicate that around 10:18 a.m. in ward 06, polling unit 15, party agents allegedly distributed N10,000 to voters after verifying their identity tags in a secluded area nearby.

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Which money? Where is the money here? That is a big lie.

These concerns follow earlier reports from Yiaga Africa, which flagged inconsistencies in ballot papers and result sheets for the Ekiti governorship election, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the electoral process.

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The only thing I can do for you is to provide an enabling environment; we are dropping some manpower.