Ekiti election: MCE demands probe of alleged vote buying, pre-thumbprinted ballots

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called on INEC and security agencies to investigate allegations of vote buying, pre-thumbprinted ballot papers, and suspected distribution of uncollected PVCs during Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State. Olawale Okunniyi, head of MCE's national secretariat, signed the statement demanding urgent action.

This follows reports by PREMIUM TIMES and election observers documenting political actors openly offering cash to voters in several communities. The ADC governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, also claimed to have confronted individuals distributing money. MCE says social media videos show attempts to compromise the election's integrity.

Yiaga Africa had flagged inconsistencies in ballot papers and results sheets. MCE warned that silence from INEC could further erode public trust in Nigeria's democracy. The group called for a forensic review of the pre-thumbprinted ballot incident and prosecution of anyone found culpable. How many more elections will we allow to be stolen before someone is held accountable?