Reports of vote buying have surfaced during the ongoing governorship election in Ondo State, implicating members of major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
APC Members Allegedly Distributing Money
A video shared by Kayode Babayomi, the African Action Congress (AAC) Chairman in Oyo State, revealed APC members allegedly distributing ₦3,000 to voters in Ward 3, Units 11 and 12, Ilu Tuntun, Okitipupa Local Government Area.In the footage, a voter admitted to receiving the money but denied the claim when confronted, prompting those involved to flee the scene.
Vote Buying Across Party Lines
SaharaReporters also documented incidents of vote buying by both the APC and PDP at polling unit 007, Ajagba Ward 2, Irele Local Government Area. Party agents were seen distributing signed papers to voters as “tickets” to claim cash payments after voting.
Some voters disclosed that while they were unsure of the exact amounts to be received, the papers would be exchanged for money following the election.
Reactions from Candidates
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the APC governorship candidate, cast his vote early at Igbo Ward 4, Obenla community, Ilaje Local Government Area, accompanied by security aides.
Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate, also participated in the election at Polling Unit 004, Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, Ese Odo Local Government Area. However, Ajayi expressed dissatisfaction with the process, describing it as “shameful.”
He criticized the delays, malfunctioning of BVAS devices, and alleged voter intimidation by security operatives stationed too close to polling units. Ajayi further accused the federal government of leveraging its influence to compromise the election.
Call for Transparency
Ajayi called on Nigerians to demand the resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged lapses in the electoral process. He urged stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Ondo State.
The widespread reports of vote buying and other irregularities raise serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Ondo State. As citizens await the results, calls for greater accountability and transparency remain at the forefront of public discourse.