The Ekiti Renaissance Movement (ERM), a group led by Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has alleged incidents of vote buying, voter intimidation and other electoral irregularities in parts of Ekiti State during the ongoing governorship election.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Team Lead, Olanrewaju Ojuuoluwa, the group said reports from its Electoral Observatory Team indicated incidents capable of undermining the credibility of the election in several polling units across the state.
According to the statement, the alleged incidents were reported in Ido-Osi Local Government Area, Unit 14; Ilogbo Ward 5; Ijero Local Government Area, Ward A Unit 4; and Ado Local Government Area, Ward 1, Idofin Unit, among other locations.
“The Ekiti Renaissance Movement (ERM) has expressed serious concern over reports of alleged electoral irregularities emerging from different parts of Ekiti State during the ongoing electoral process,” the statement read.
It added, “From the beginning of this electoral journey, the Movement has consistently advocated for a peaceful, transparent, and credible process where every citizen is allowed to freely exercise their democratic rights without intimidation, inducement, or interference.”
The group said it had received reports and observations from some polling locations that raised concerns about activities capable of compromising the credibility of the election.
“Reports and observations received from some polling locations have raised concerns about activities capable of undermining the credibility of the exercise,” the statement said.
ERM maintained that elections should be decided by the free choice of voters rather than practices that could influence or suppress the electorate.
“The Movement believes that democracy is strengthened when political actors compete based on ideas, achievements, and the confidence of the electorate, rather than through actions that may compromise the will of the people,” it stated.
The organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders to take urgent steps to protect the integrity of the election and investigate all reported incidents.
“The ERM therefore calls on all relevant stakeholders, including electoral authorities, security agencies, political actors, and citizens, to take every necessary step to ensure that the integrity of the process is protected and that all reports of irregularities are properly investigated,” the statement added.
It further disclosed that its Electoral Observatory Team would continue monitoring the election through peaceful observation and documentation.
“The Movement’s Electoral Observatory Team remains committed to its responsibility of peaceful observation, responsible documentation, and preservation of credible information that may assist in ensuring accountability,” the statement said.
The group also appealed to residents to remain peaceful throughout the electoral process.
“We urge all citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to the principles of democracy. The power of the people lies not only in casting their votes but also in ensuring that their choices are respected,” it stated.
ERM reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability and democratic values, saying it would continue to advocate for an electoral process that reflects the genuine aspirations of the people of Ekiti State.
