The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called for an immediate investigation into alleged electoral irregularities during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election, including claims of pre-thumbprinted ballot papers, distribution of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and widespread vote buying.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Olawale Okunniyi (Veteran Che), Head of National Secretariat, MCE, the group said it had been closely monitoring the election and commended residents of the state for their peaceful conduct and commitment to democratic participation despite reports of alleged malpractice in several parts of the state.
The group, however, expressed deep concern over incidents captured in videos circulating on social media and reports from voters, party agents, election observers, and political stakeholders.
According to MCE, one of the major concerns was the allegation of vote buying and voter inducement across several polling units.
The organisation specifically referenced an incident involving the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dare Bejide, who reportedly confronted an individual accused of distributing money to voters, leading to a heated altercation involving politicians and security personnel.
MCE also raised concerns over reports of alleged pre-thumbprinted ballot papers at a polling unit, describing the development as a serious threat to the credibility of the electoral process.
“Video footages circulating online appear to show a tense exchange among electoral stakeholders over the authenticity and integrity of the ballot papers in question,” the statement read.
The group further expressed alarm over allegations that uncollected PVCs were being distributed to individuals allegedly brought into Ekiti State from outside the state to influence the outcome of the election.
It warned that if the allegations were proven true, such actions would amount to a grave assault on Nigeria’s electoral system and one of the most dangerous forms of electoral fraud.
MCE urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and anti-graft bodies to immediately investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The group also demanded a forensic review of the alleged ballot paper incident, publication of records relating to uncollected PVCs in the state, and the establishment of a transparent complaints and incident-reporting mechanism for citizens and election observers.
It further called on security agencies to remain neutral and professional throughout the collation and declaration of results, warning that any perception of bias could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“The credibility of any election depends not merely on the declaration of results but on public confidence that every vote counted was lawfully cast,” the group stated.
MCE added that it would continue to monitor developments and publish a comprehensive post-election assessment based on verified reports from observers and stakeholders across the state.
