Oluyede Campaign Rejects Ekiti Governorship Election Result, Alleges Widespread Irregularities

The campaign organization of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has rejected the outcome of the June 20 governorship election announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the exercise as flawed and lacking credibility.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Media and Communications of the Oluyede Campaign Organization, Chief Sanya Atofarati, the campaign said the declared result did not reflect the true will and democratic aspirations of the people of Ekiti State.

The organization alleged that the election was marred by widespread irregularities, including vote buying, voter intimidation, harassment of opposition supporters and other practices that, it claimed, compromised the integrity of the electoral process.

According to the statement, reports from party agents, supporters and voters across the state raised serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the election.

The campaign also accused some security operatives of failing to maintain neutrality during the exercise, alleging that their actions and inactions contributed to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

"We believe that the actions and inactions of certain security authorities contributed significantly to the atmosphere of fear, intimidation and unfairness witnessed during the election," the statement read.

The organization further argued that the circumstances surrounding the election suggested a process whose outcome appeared predetermined, thereby denying residents the opportunity to freely choose their leaders.

Describing the development as a threat to democratic principles, the campaign said it would pursue all lawful and democratic avenues to challenge the outcome and seek justice.

It called on its supporters and residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding while consultations continue on the next line of action.

The campaign also urged electoral and security institutions, as well as other stakeholders, to uphold the principles of justice, fairness and accountability in the interest of democracy.

Reaffirming its commitment to the people of Ekiti State, the Oluyede Campaign Organization said it remained resolute in defending what it described as the mandate freely given to its candidate.

The statement was signed by Chief Sanya Atofarati, Director of Media and Communications, Oluyede Campaign Organization.