CSOs Allege Plot To Rig Ekiti LG Polls

Coalition of Civil Society groups in Ekiti State under the aegis of  Alliance for Equity and Justice Initiative have raised the alarm over a plot to manipulate the outcome of the local government election scheduled to hold December this year.

The coalition, which accused Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of orchestrating the plot, also alleged that some preferred names had  been penciled down as winners ahead of the election.

In a statement signed by the groups’ coordinator and secretary, Comrade Kayode Oluwafemi and Hon, Kingsley Wale, respectively in Abuja, they described the governor’s alleged action as undemocratic and divisive and cautioned that it would lead to break down of law and order and jeopardise the party’s chances if not quickly addressed.

The group said it was in custody of documents obtained through very reliable sources detailing alleged attempts by the governor to undermine the upcoming primaries for the Ekiti State local government elections scheduled for December 2023.

“The documents indicate that some names have already been pencilled  down by the governor as winners of a primary election that is yet to be conducted. The development raises serious concern to every peace loving citizen of Ekiti State and calls to question, the governor’s desire to conduct a free, fair and transparent primaries even within his own political party.

“To put the records straight and disabuse the minds of some persons who may wish to see our noble effort at creating an atmosphere for a peaceful and transparent primaries as meddlesome, we have attached herewith, some very vital documents which shows that indeed, the upcoming party primaries will be anything but transparent except necessary measures are taken immediately to reverse the situation.”

They further accused the governor of working with former governor, Chief Ayo Fayose, to undermine his predecessor Kayode Fayemi.