Crime & Justice

Ondo Governorship Election Marred by Alleged Vote-Buying at Irele Polling Units

During the recent governorship election in Ondo State, reports emerged of significant vote-buying activities at the Anglican Primary School polling units in Irele Local Government Area. Party agents were observed openly distributing cash to voters, raising concerns about the election’s integrity.

At Ward 008, Unit 003, Olowofoyekun 1 and 2, agents from leading political parties were seen with substantial amounts of cash, allegedly intended to influence voters’ choices. Similarly, at polling unit 005, party officials were reportedly offering money to voters.

One female agent was observed displaying cash to voters, encouraging them to verify their names on the register promptly. Another agent arrived with a large sum of money in a minivan, engaging in discussions with other party representatives. A local resident noted that the woman with the minivan is a well-known party agent in the area.

The prevalence of vote-buying in this election has raised serious concerns among stakeholders. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously warned against such practices, emphasizing the need for free and fair elections. Despite these warnings, the incidents in Irele suggest that vote-buying remains a significant challenge in the electoral process.

Observers have called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws and more robust measures to prevent vote-buying in future elections. They argue that such practices undermine democracy and erode public trust in the electoral system.

As the election results are collated, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the overall outcome and the credibility of the electoral process in Ondo State.