Ekiti 2026: One Hospitalised as APC, ADC Supporters Clash Over Alleged Vote Buying

An ADC supporter was hospitalised after a clash involving APC and ADC supporters in Ilawe-Ekiti during the governorship election, following allegations of vote-buying and disruption of voting activities.

Tension erupted on Saturday at Unit 4, Ward 2, Ilawe-Ekiti, during the Ekiti State governorship election as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly clashed over allegations of vote-buying.

The confrontation briefly disrupted voting activities at the polling unit and reportedly left one ADC supporter injured during the altercation.

The injured supporter, said to have sustained a head injury, was later taken to a medical facility for treatment.

The ADC governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, who cast his vote at the polling unit, accused some political actors of attempting to compromise the electoral process through alleged distribution of money to voters.

Bejide alleged that the situation escalated after attempts were made to stop the alleged cash distribution, leading to a confrontation involving party supporters and security personnel deployed to the area.

“One of my aides was attacked by security men brought in by them, and he has been taken to the hospital,” Bejide alleged, describing the incident as an attempt to disrupt the voting process.

He said the alleged presence of cash at the polling unit was reported to security authorities, adding that the development created tension and confusion among voters in the area.

The incident adds to concerns raised by some observers and political parties over alleged irregularities during the Ekiti governorship election.

Earlier, some election monitors had called for investigations into claims of vote-buying and other alleged electoral violations reported in parts of the state.

Despite isolated reports of tension and complaints, voting proceeded across several polling units in the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State.

The election featured 14 candidates, including incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Oluwole Oluyede, and ADC candidate Dare Bejide.

Security agencies were deployed across the state to maintain order and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also commenced the upload of polling unit results to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as collation continues.

Authorities are expected to investigate complaints arising from the election and take necessary action where violations are established.