PDP candidate rejects Ekiti gov election results, alleges foul play

By Boye Oyeyemi

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the June 20 election in Ekiti State, Wole Oluyede, has rejected the outcome of the poll announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Oluyede’s position was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Ado Ekiti by the Director of Media and Communications of the Oluyede Campaign Organisation, Sanya Atofarati.

INEC had earlier declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress winner of the election after polling 319,224 votes. Oluyede came second with 40,543 votes, while the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dare Bejide, secured 12,872 votes.

Atofarati said the PDP campaign organisation could not accept the result announced by the electoral body, insisting that it did not reflect the genuine wishes of Ekiti voters.

“The declared outcome does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and democratic aspirations of the people of Ekiti State. The election process was deeply flawed and fell short of the standards of credibility, transparency, fairness and integrity expected in a democratic society,” he said.

The PDP campaign alleged that reports from its agents and supporters indicated widespread vote buying, intimidation of voters, harassment of opposition members and other practices that allegedly undermined the credibility of the election.

Atofarati also expressed concerns over the conduct of some security personnel, alleging that their actions and inactions contributed to an atmosphere of fear and unfairness during the exercise.

“We remain committed to the pursuit of justice through all lawful and democratic means available to us. We urge our members, supporters and all lovers of democracy to remain peaceful and law-abiding while appropriate steps are taken to defend the mandate freely given to our candidate,” the statement added.