The Ekiti State chapter of the Africa Action Congress (AAC) has rejected the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election, alleging widespread vote-buying, intimidation, and other irregularities during the exercise.

In a statement on Saturday night, the party’s state chairman, Makinde Folorunso, said the party was dissatisfied with the conduct of the election and would challenge its outcome.

The election was held across 177 electoral wards in the state’s 16 local government areas, with 15 political parties fielding candidates.

“As the chairman of the Africa Action Congress (AAC) in Ekiti State, I am compelled to address the events surrounding Saturday’s election. It is with a heavy heart that I announce our decision to contest the legitimacy of this election due to widespread malpractices that have rendered it a mere facade of democracy.”

“The governor, in a blatant display of power, has transformed this electoral process into a mockery, demonstrating a complete disregard for fair play,” Mr Folorunso said.

He claimed that voters were offered money in exchange for their votes at polling units across the state.

“Reports of vote-buying have emerged from every polling unit across Ekiti State, with citizens being offered money in exchange for their votes. 

This is not just an affront to the democratic process; it is an insult to the intelligence of the electorate,” he said.

Mr Folorunso further alleged that the ruling party created an uneven playing field by intimidating and harassing opposition members.

“The actions taken by the ruling party have created an uneven playing field, where genuine competition is stifled. We witnessed intimidation and harassment directed toward our party members, discouraging them from exercising their democratic rights. 

“This is not how democracy should function, nor is it how elections should be conducted in a nation that aspires to uphold the principles of justice and equity,” he stated.

He said the party’s participation in the peace accord reflected its commitment to electoral integrity, adding that accepting the election results despite the alleged irregularities would amount to betraying that commitment.

“We refuse to stand by while the democratic rights of our citizens are trampled upon,” he noted.

Mr Folorunso maintained that the AAC remained committed to real democracy and the change Nigerians deserve.

“The Africa Action Congress (AAC) stands for real democracy and is committed to the revolutionary change that the Nigerian people deserve. We believe in a future where every vote counts, and where the will of the people is respected.”

“In light of these concerns, we unequivocally reject the results of this election. We demand an immediate investigation into the reported irregularities and call upon the relevant authorities to ensure accountability for these injustices,” Mr Folorunso declared.

“As we move forward, we urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and engaged in the fight for true democracy. We must collectively name and condemn this electoral malpractice if we are to preserve the integrity of our democratic process,” he added.