Yiaga Africa Watching The Vote has urged security and anti-corruption agencies to prosecute individuals involved in vote-buying and other electoral offenses during the ongoing Ondo State Governorship Election.
In a mid-day situational statement signed by Ezenwa Nwagwu and Cynthia Mbamalu, the organization highlighted instances of electoral malpractice, particularly involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
At polling units in Ileoluji LGA, APC agents were reportedly seen offering cash inducements of N20,000 to voters in exchange for their support. Similarly, at polling units in Ifedore LGA, APC and PDP agents allegedly bribed voters with amounts ranging from N5,000 to N10,000. Despite these reports, security agents on-site were accused of failing to intervene.
Yiaga Africa commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for arresting vote-buying agents and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce strict compliance with result collation guidelines. It stressed the need for transparency by granting access to party agents, accredited media, and election observers at collation centers.
The group emphasized the importance of professionalism and nonpartisanship among security agencies throughout the election process. It recommended that violations of the Electoral Act be met with appropriate sanctions and called on all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and residents, to ensure a peaceful and credible election.