The Ondo State governorship election on Saturday has been overshadowed by claims of vote-buying and violence, raising concerns about the credibility of the process.
A suspected vote buyer was reportedly apprehended by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, near St Stephen’s Primary School in Akure.
According to witnesses, the DSS personnel, with the help of bystanders, searched the boot of the suspect’s Toyota Camry, where they allegedly found two ‘Ghana-must-go’ bags containing cash.
The bags were not opened on-site, but the suspect was quickly whisked away in a white bus.
The incident has added to allegations of voter inducement through money and other items, including food and fertilisers, during the election.
Meanwhile, reports of clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have surfaced, particularly in Ofosu, Odigbo Local Government Area. Observers fear these incidents could escalate tensions in the highly competitive race featuring APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa, PDP’s Agboola Ajayi, and Zenith Labour Party’s Abbas Mimiko.
Social media has also been flooded with videos allegedly showing voters and vote buyers exchanging money. In some clips, individuals openly admitted to selling their votes, further fuelling concerns about electoral malpractice.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies are yet to issue statements regarding the allegations, as calls grow for stricter enforcement of election laws to safeguard the democratic process.
