The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the Ekiti State election, Dare Bejide, has rejected the outcome of the poll, alleging widespread irregularities and describing the exercise as lacking credibility.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, Bejide claimed the election was marred by voter intimidation, vote buying, and the deployment of thugs and security operatives to influence the process.
“I reject the result in its entirety because the election was not credible,” he said.
According to him, several polling units witnessed tension and intimidation, with some areas resembling a conflict zone.
“You all saw what happened. Some places were almost like a war zone. It is a sad day for democracy,” he stated.
Bejide further alleged that vote buying took place openly across the state, with cash and food items allegedly distributed to voters.
“Large sums of money were brought to polling units and spent freely. If the government had performed well, there would have been no need for such inducements,” he said.
The ADC candidate argued that the ruling party should have relied on its performance in office rather than resorting to actions aimed at influencing voters.
Despite rejecting the declared outcome, Bejide said he would await detailed reports from across the state before deciding on the party’s next move.
“I have not personally reviewed the complete results and have only seen reports circulating on social media,” he said, noting that his team was collating polling unit results for further assessment.
He added that the party would brief its supporters after completing its review of the election.
“At this stage, we are not satisfied with the conduct of the poll,” he said.
Bejide, however, urged his supporters and residents of Ekiti State to remain peaceful while the party evaluates the results and determines its next line of action.
