Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti State — Allegations of widespread vote-buying have surfaced during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election, with several voters reportedly admitting to receiving cash payments from political parties in exchange for their votes.

Reports from multiple polling units in Aramoko Ekiti indicate that the practice of voter inducement may be taking place despite the deployment of security personnel and anti-corruption agencies to monitor the election.

According to accounts gathered from voters, at least five individuals separately confirmed receiving ₦10,000 each allegedly from agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

Some of the voters reportedly spoke openly about the payments, describing the exercise as a common occurrence in parts of the community during the election.

At Polling Unit 004, located near Chief Ologbodo’s House in Oke Uro, Aramoko II, party agents were alleged to have approached individuals believed to be voters with financial offers tied to electoral support.

Witness accounts claim that an APC agent allegedly offered ₦10,000 in exchange for a vote for Governor Oyebanji and the party, while a representative of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was said to have offered ₦2,000 for support of the opposition party.

The alleged transactions reportedly occurred openly around the polling area, raising fresh concerns about compliance with electoral laws and efforts to curb voter inducement.

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The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny by anti-corruption authorities during the election.

Earlier in the day, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were seen at Polling Unit 003 in Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government Area, where Governor Oyebanji cast his vote.

The EFCC team reportedly arrived shortly after voting commenced and monitored activities around the polling centre following reports of possible vote-buying in parts of the state.

Although no arrests were immediately announced, the agency’s presence underscored concerns about electoral malpractice and efforts to deter illegal inducements.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society groups, and anti-corruption agencies had repeatedly warned political actors against engaging in vote-buying and other forms of electoral misconduct ahead of the governorship election.

However, the latest allegations suggest that the practice may still be occurring in some communities despite those warnings.

Political analysts have long identified vote-buying as one of the major threats to Nigeria’s electoral process, arguing that it undermines the credibility of elections and weakens democratic accountability.

As voting continues across Ekiti State’s 16 local government areas, election observers are expected to closely monitor developments and document any reported violations of electoral regulations.

Neither the APC nor the ADC had officially responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

The Ekiti governorship election remains one of the most closely watched political contests in the country, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji seeking another term against candidates from several opposition parties.