Paul James, the Election Programme Manager for Yiaga Africa, has expressed concerns regarding vote buying in the ongoing Ondo State governorship election.
James noted that politicians reportedly distributed cash, food items, and fertilizers to voters during the campaign period.
He made this known while speaking on Arise TV on Saturday as the Ondo State Gubernatorial election was ongoing earlier today.
“We saw glimpses of vote buying in the buildup to the election, where politicians, in their usual theatrics, were giving voters between N2000 and N5000 at campaign rallies.
“There was also the usual distribution of food items,” he said.
He highlighted incidents in October where fertilisers were given to farmers, noting, “It’s challenging to draw the line between palliatives and vote buying, especially during the buildup to elections.”
James urged security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address these issues.
“We have called out to the anti-graft agencies and the Nigeria police to keep an eye on the process and ensure that people involved in nefarious activities are apprehended and brought to book.”
He also stressed the need for security officers to act professionally. “We expect the officers to be professional in the discharge of their duties,” he said.
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