Ekiti Election: APC, ADC Trade Blame As Violence Erupts In Ilawe-Ekiti Over Alleged Vote Buying

Violence disrupted voting in Ilawe-Ekiti on Saturday as political tensions flared during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election, prompting an exchange of accusations between prominent figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The disturbance, which occurred during the voting process, was reportedly linked to allegations of vote buying and voter intimidation.

Speaking with journalists, ADC governorship candidate Ambassador Dare Bejide accused APC chieftain Makinde Araoye and other party leaders, including Senator Yemi Adaramodu, of attempting to interfere with the electoral process at Oke-Adura Ward 2, Unit 4, Ilawe-Ekiti.

Bejide alleged that voters were subjected to intimidation and other forms of electoral malpractice aimed at influencing the outcome of the poll.

However, Araoye strongly rejected the allegations, insisting that neither he nor other APC members were involved in any act capable of disrupting the election.

In a separate interview, the APC chieftain accused Bejide and his supporters of instigating the unrest and attempting to create confusion around the voting process.

The incident has heightened tensions in Ilawe-Ekiti, one of the key voting centres in the governorship election, as security agencies continue to monitor developments.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the disturbance or confirm whether any arrests have been made.