Rita Odafe
Edo State Election Vote Buying Allegations
A recent report from a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) revealed that during the Edo State governorship election, votes were reportedly bought for as low as N5,000 along with food items such as bread.
“Observers noted pervasive and overt vote buying at numerous polling stations, despite the significant presence of security forces.
According to their findings, the cost of purchasing votes varied from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 at multiple sites, including PU08 and 09 in Ward 2, Owan-East LGA; PU 02 in Ward 2, Etsako-West LGA; and several areas within Egor, Oredo, and Owan-West LGAs. Some voters were also offered food incentives like bread,” the statement co-signed by Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Mimidoo Achakpa, and Franklin Oloniju detailed.
The coalition did, however, praise the authorities for detaining two individuals involved in vote trading at George Idah Primary School in Ward 2, Oredo LGA.
The Situation Room also commended voters for their peaceful participation and encouraged them to maintain their composure during the election process.
This coalition includes noteworthy Civil Society Organisations such as Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), CLEEN Foundation, Action Aid Nigeria, and others dedicated to fostering democracy and good governance.
Additional participating organizations encompass the Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability, Kimpact Development Initiative, and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), among various other groups focusing on social development and advocacy.
