As Ondo State engages in its critical governorship election today, reports of vote buying and inducement have surfaced across all 18 local government areas, raising alarm about the integrity of the electoral process.
Incidents of alleged vote buying were particularly noted at the Anglican Primary School in the Irele Local Government Area, where party agents from two major political parties reportedly arrived with cash in hand. Eyewitnesses described a female agent displaying money to voters, urging them to quickly verify their names on the electoral register.
Another agent was spotted unloading cash from a “Ghana-must-go” bag transported by a minivan, further indicating the organized nature of these activities.
The Department of State Services (DSS) took swift action, apprehending a suspected vote buyer at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, outside St. Stephen’s Primary School in Akure around 9 AM.
Meanwhile, reports of thuggish behavior emerged from villages in the Idanre Local Government Area, including Ofosun, Omifunfun, and Allah, contributing to an atmosphere of intimidation.
Heavy monetization of votes was reported in various communities, particularly in Okitipupa, Akure South, Akoko North East, Akoko North West, Owo, Odigbo, Ondo West, Ondo East, and Irele Local Governments.
According to sources from Starnews NG, one political party allegedly distributed between 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 Naira across multiple electoral units to incentivize voters. Specific units received substantial sums, with reports indicating up to 2,000,000 Naira allocated to strategically challenging areas with high voter registration.
In contrast, another party reportedly distributed between 250,000 and 300,000 Naira across various units, highlighting the competitive nature of vote inducement in this election cycle.
Despite the presence of vote buying, reports of violence have not yet surfaced at the time of this report.
Starnews NG reports that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa cast his vote at Polling Unit 6, Ward 4 in the Obenla community, while Agboola Ajayi, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, voted at Polling Unit 004, Apoi Ward 2 in Kiribo, Ese-Odo Local Government Area.
Ajayi expressed concerns about the election process, accusing the Independent National Election Commission of bias and reporting delays in voting commencement in several areas. He noted challenges with the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), stating, “It took almost 10 minutes before I could cast my vote after battling with accreditation, describing it as an attempt to frustrate voters.”
As the day unfolds, the integrity of the electoral process in Ondo State hangs in the balance, with both voter participation and the actions of political actors under scrutiny.
The ongoing efforts by the DSS and other authorities will be pivotal in ensuring a fair and transparent election.
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