#OndoDecides2024: We observed vote-buying in major areas —Yiaga, CDD

The Centre for Democracy and Development and Yiaga Africa, on Saturday, said reports from their observers monitoring the governorship election indicated vote buying in several polling units across the state.

They said vote-buying was becoming a permanent feature of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The group commended the Department of State Security (DSS) for apprehending a man allegedly involved in vote buying at St. Stephen Polling Unit in Ward 4, Akure.

Speaking at a press briefing in Akure on Saturday, the Chairman of the 2024 Ondo Election Mission, Ezenwa Nwagwu, said political parties and candidates should be held accountable for the negative trends observed in the country’s elections.

Nwagwu said political parties could not distance themselves from the persistent issue of vote buying that continued to mar the electoral processes.

Also, speaking, the leader of CDD election mission, Professor Victor Adetula, said tensions flared in many polling units over a requirement for voters to display their choices publicly before casting their ballots

Adetula listed the local governments where vote buying occurred including Okitipupa, Ese-Odo, Irele, Ondo West, Akure North, Odigbo, and Akoko South East.

“We also note extensive instances of voters marking ballots, agents distributing money, and brazen attempts to suppress voters in certain parts of the state. Perhaps most worryingly, a large number of our observers note low voter turnout and polling units being able to close early.

“CDD commends voters in Ondo for the calm and peaceful manner in which they have conducted all through this process so far. We urge all stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure adherence to the rule of law and due process as the election, collation, and declaration of results lead to the point of conclusion.”