UK Reacts To ‘Vote-Buying’ In Ekiti Election

The United Kingdom has reacted to reports of alleged ‘vote-buying’ in the recent Ekiti governorship election that saw candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lose to the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dr Kayode Fayemi of the APC had defeated candidate of the PDP, Professor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, with 197,459 votes against the latter’s 178,121 votes.

While many election observer groups had declared the election as free and fair, reports of vote-buying by major political parties were also recorded.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had admitted this, noting “with deep concern, the rising phenomenon of vote-buying during elections.”

Reacting to the reports, the United Kingdom’s International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, tasked the country’s electoral body to take steps to prevent reoccurrence of what transpired in the Ekiti election in subsequent elections, particularly in the 2019 general elections.

Mordaunt said this after a meeting in Abuja with INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

“We encourage security agencies to remain visibly neutral and ensure a safe and secure environment for the electorate.

“Whatever the outcome next year, the elections are Nigeria’s opportunity to demonstrate progress towards strengthening democracy. I am confident that this ambition is within reach,” she said.