EFCC Personnel Deploy to Governor Oyebanji's Polling Unit Amid Ekiti Vote-Buying Fears

Officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were seen at the polling unit of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday, following increasing worries about alleged vote-buying during the ongoing governorship election. SaharaReporters observed approximately ten EFCC operatives arrive at Polling Unit 003, located at Foutage of Oyebanji Okelele, Ward 06, Ikogosi, within Ekiti West Local Government Area, around 9:05 am.

The anti-graft agents began monitoring activities around the polling station shortly after voting commenced there at about 8:30 a.m. While the EFCC officials did not immediately state the reason for their presence, their deployment coincides with heightened scrutiny of the electoral process and accusations of voter inducement in various parts of the state.

Earlier reports from SaharaReporters indicated that voting had started smoothly at Governor Oyebanji’s polling unit. Interestingly, only an agent representing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was present, despite numerous political parties participating in the election. According to information gathered by SaharaReporters, the polling unit has a total of 668 registered voters.

As of the time this report was being compiled, the EFCC officials remained stationed within and around the polling premises, observing electoral proceedings and engaging with security personnel assigned to the centre. There were no immediate reports of arrests or any disruptions to the voting process.

This development occurs as security agencies and election observers intensify their monitoring efforts across Ekiti State. This comes after repeated warnings issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, and anti-corruption bodies against vote-buying and other electoral offenses. The Ekiti governorship election is being conducted across all 16 local government areas of the state, with Governor Oyebanji seeking re-election against candidates from several opposition parties.