“Democracy Reduced to Trading” — PDP Condemns Vote Buying in Ekiti Elections
The integrity of our electoral process has once again been called into question, this time in the wake of the recent Ekiti state elections. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned what it describes as widespread electoral malpractices, specifically pointing fingers at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a recent statement, Atofarati Sanya, the PDP Spokesman for Ekiti State, voiced his deep disappointment over the conduct of the elections, emphasizing the open commodification of votes.
The Statement from the PDP
“What we have witnessed in Ekiti state is sad and unfortunate. Democracy in Nigeria is now reduced to trading of votes as against the electoral act. APC was at the polling units unchecked. It’s unfortunate security authorities were present and could not checkmate these abnormalities.”
— Atofarati Sanya
PDP Spokesman, Ekiti State
A Growing Concern for Nigerian Democracy
This statement highlights a troubling trend that continues to plague Nigerian elections: the brazen practice of vote buying. Despite the provisions of the Electoral Act designed to prevent such practices, reports of political parties treating elections as marketplaces remain common.
Sanya’s frustration points to a significant failure in enforcement. When political actors are allowed to operate “unchecked” at polling units, even in the presence of security personnel, it severely undermines the legitimacy of the entire process.
The PDP is raising a critical question: If security authorities cannot or will not prevent the open trading of votes, how can the electorate trust the outcome?
As we reflect on the events in Ekiti, it is clear that simply having laws on the books is not enough. The future of true democracy in Nigeria depends on the strict enforcement of the Electoral Act and the collective refusal to reduce the people’s mandate to a financial transaction.
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) June 20, 2026
