Viral Bread Giveaway Raises Fresh Vote-Buying Concerns in Ekiti

(Bus Tossing Bread. Photo by Gossip Mill Nigeria)

A video lasting just over a minute, captured from a vehicle following behind, recorded in the hours preceding the June 20, 2026 gubernatorial election, shows people gathering to collect bread scattered on the ground, with observers alleging this represents vote-buying.

The incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, representing the APC, is contesting for a second term against a field of 13 opponents.

Critics have condemned the act as dehumanising, comparing it to feeding animals, particularly given Nigeria's current inflation crisis and widespread food insecurity affecting residents.

While some have defended the gesture as demonstrating care for the people, neither the campaign nor the APC has issued any comment on the incident.

The electoral commission's rules prohibiting vote-buying face ongoing challenges in enforcement among the 1.05 million registered voters in the state.

Just In: See what Ekiti State APC is doing to people, Throwing bread to Hungry Nigerians from a Moving car as if they are chickens! 😢🥲😢🥲 pic.twitter.com/55iPrTK1T9

— Gossip Mill Nigeria (@GossipMillNaija) June 19, 2026