Popular opposition party Rejects Ekiti Election Results, Alleges Vote-Buying, Intimidation, Vows To Challenge Oyebanji’s Victory
Popular opposition party Rejects Ekiti Election Results, Alleges Vote-Buying, Intimidation, Vows To Challenge Oyebanji’s Victory
The Chairman of the Africa Action Congress (AAC) in Ekiti State, Makinde Folorunso, has rejected the outcome of Saturday’s election in the state, alleging widespread electoral malpractice, vote-buying, and intimidation of opposition members.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, Folorunso said the party would challenge the legitimacy of the election, claiming that the electoral process had been compromised.
“As the chairman of the Africa Action Congress (AAC) in Ekiti State, I am compelled to address the events surrounding Saturday’s election. It is with a heavy heart that I announce our decision to contest the legitimacy of this election due to widespread malpractices that have rendered it a mere facade of democracy,” he said.
The AAC chairman accused the state governor of undermining the credibility of the election and turning the exercise into what he described as “a mockery” of democratic principles.
“The governor, in a blatant display of power, has transformed this electoral process into a mockery, demonstrating a complete disregard for fair play,” Folorunso alleged.
He further alleged that vote-buying occurred across the state, saying reports of the practice were received from polling units throughout Ekiti.
“Reports of vote-buying have emerged from every polling unit across Ekiti State, with citizens being offered money in exchange for their votes. This is not just an affront to the democratic process; it is an insult to the intelligence of the electorate,” he said.
Folorunso also accused the ruling party of creating an uneven electoral environment and suppressing opposition participation.
“The actions taken by the ruling party have created an uneven playing field, where genuine competition is stifled. We witnessed intimidation and harassment directed toward our party members, discouraging them from exercising their democratic rights. This is not how democracy should function, nor is it how elections should be conducted in a nation that aspires to uphold the principles of justice and equity,” he stated.
The AAC chairman said the party’s decision to participate in the peace accord ahead of the election was based on its commitment to electoral integrity, adding that accepting the outcome under the circumstances would amount to a betrayal of that commitment.
“Furthermore, we must emphasize that our participation in the peace accord was rooted in a commitment to uphold electoral integrity. Accepting the results of this election, given the overwhelming evidence of malpractice, would be a betrayal of that commitment. We refuse to stand by while the democratic rights of our citizens are trampled upon,” he said.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic ideals, Folorunso stated that the AAC remained dedicated to what he described as “revolutionary change” for Nigerians.
“The Africa Action Congress (AAC) stands for real democracy and is committed to the revolutionary change that the Nigerian people deserve. We believe in a future where every vote counts, and where the will of the people is respected,” he said.
He subsequently announced the party’s rejection of the election results and called for an investigation into the alleged irregularities.
“In light of these concerns, we unequivocally reject the results of this election. We demand an immediate investigation into the reported irregularities and call upon the relevant authorities to ensure accountability for these injustices,” Folorunso declared.
He also urged Nigerians to remain actively involved in defending democratic values and electoral integrity.
“As we move forward, we urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and engaged in the fight for true democracy. We must collectively name and condemn this electoral malpractice if we are to preserve the integrity of our democratic process,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the APC candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
Oyebanji secured a landslide victory after polling a total of 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede.
SaharaReporters on Saturday reported that the election, which was conducted across the 16 local government areas of the state, was marred by irregularities and massive vote buying, which was widely condemned by observers.
According to the official results announced by the electoral umpire, Oluyede garnered 40,543 votes, while the governorship candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, polled 12,872 votes coming a distant third.
The results were announced on Sunday morning by the Chief Returning Officer and Presiding Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, who declared Oyebanji duly elected after satisfying the constitutional requirements for victory.
Announcing the final outcome of the election, Professor Oladiji said, “I, Professor Adenike Oladiji, hereby certify that I am the Returning Officer for the Ekiti State Governorship Election held on June 20, 2026, and that the election was conducted in compliance with the provisions of the law.
“Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of valid votes cast, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.”
