Ekiti Election: Aisha Yesufu Blasts EFCC, Calls for Decriminalisation of Vote Buying

Rights activist and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, on Saturday accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of turning a blind eye to alleged vote-buying and other electoral malpractices during elections.

Reacting to reports of vote-buying in the Ekiti State governorship election, Yesufu argued that the practice should be decriminalised in Nigeria.

In a post on X, the activist said law-abiding citizens often bear the consequences of vote-buying, while perpetrators go unpunished.

She wrote, “At this rate, vote buying should be decriminalised in Nigeria. It does not make sense since it is those who are law-abiding that get punished for it!

“They do not do the vote buying and they are schemed out while others buy votes and waltz their way into office. @officialEFCC’s eagle is blindfolded during election.

“Instead of candidates wasting money on campaigns, let everyone wait for Election Day and bargain.

“The highest bidder wins and you save your money. This nonsense needs to stop.”

Meanwhile, allegations of electoral malpractice have trailed the ongoing governorship election in Ekiti State.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, had earlier accused some individuals of vote-buying and cash distribution at his polling unit, while police and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were said to have declined immediate response.