MCE Demands Probe of Alleged Vote Buying, Pre-Thumbprinted Ballots in Ekiti Governorship Election

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to launch an immediate investigation into allegations of vote buying, voter inducement, suspected distribution of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and the use of allegedly pre-thumbprinted ballot papers during Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the election monitoring group said it had been closely observing developments across the state and commended Ekiti residents for their peaceful conduct and commitment to the democratic process despite reports of alleged electoral irregularities.

The group expressed concern over videos circulating on social media and reports from voters, party agents, observers and political stakeholders alleging various forms of electoral malpractice in parts of the state.

According to MCE, one of the incidents involved allegations of vote buying and voter inducement at some polling units. The group referenced claims by 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 exchange involving politicians and security personnel.

MCE also raised concerns over reports of an alleged pre-thumbprinted ballot paper discovered at a polling unit during the election.

The organisation said videos circulating online appeared to show election officials and party representatives questioning the authenticity of certain ballot papers, stressing that although the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, the allegations warrant thorough investigation.

“While the full facts are yet to be established, any allegation involving pre-thumbprinted ballot papers strikes at the heart of electoral integrity and should not be ignored,” the group stated.

The organisation further expressed alarm over claims that uncollected PVCs were allegedly distributed to individuals suspected of being brought into the state to influence the outcome of the election.

According to MCE, if substantiated, such actions would represent a serious violation of electoral laws and undermine public confidence in the democratic process.

The group argued that the circulation of videos and testimonies relating to the allegations has generated widespread public concern and called on electoral and law enforcement authorities to act swiftly.

Among its demands, MCE urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all reported cases of vote buying and electoral malpractice, undertake a forensic review of the alleged pre-thumbprinted ballot incident, and investigate claims surrounding the alleged distribution of uncollected PVCs.

The group also called for the publication of records relating to uncollected PVCs in Ekiti State and the safeguards in place to prevent unauthorised access to voter cards.

Other recommendations included a review of video evidence circulating online, prosecution of anyone found culpable of electoral offences, and the establishment of a transparent mechanism through which citizens, journalists and observers can submit evidence of alleged malpractice.

MCE further called for a joint public briefing involving INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to address the allegations and reassure the public about the integrity of the election.

The group urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional throughout the collation and declaration of results, while advising political parties and candidates to pursue any grievances through lawful channels.

“The credibility of any election depends not merely on the declaration of results but on public confidence that every vote counted was lawfully cast and that electoral laws were respected throughout the process,” the statement said.

MCE said it would continue monitoring the election and publish a comprehensive post-election assessment based on evidence gathered from observers and stakeholders across the state.