Yiaga Africa, under its “Watching The Vote” initiative, deployed 300 stationary observers to monitor the Ondo State governorship election across 300 randomly selected polling units.
The organisation also sent 24 roving observers to assess activities at local and state collation centres, ensuring that results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reflect the votes cast.
According to Yiaga Africa’s mid-day report on Saturday, the election began peacefully, with most polling units opening on time. By 7:30 a.m., election officials had arrived at 71% of polling units, and by 9:30 a.m., voting had started at 91% of the observed locations.
Materials such as voter registers, ink pads, and voting cubicles were adequately deployed, while provisions for persons with disabilities were noted but insufficient in some areas.
However, the election was marred by reports of vote-buying. Party agents were seen offering cash inducements at polling units in Ileoluji, Ifedore, and other locations, with amounts ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000.
“Yiaga Africa observed widespread occurrence of vote buying across several polling units, which is becoming a permanent feature of our electoral process. We strongly condemn this practice, as it contributes to electoral corruption and political inequality,” the organisation said.
Security personnel reportedly failed to intervene in these incidents. Yiaga Africa strongly condemned this practice, describing it as harmful to electoral integrity and fairness.
Further issues included limited access for persons with disabilities at 31% of polling units and the use of pencils instead of ink for recording results in some areas, raising concerns about potential result manipulation.
Yiaga Africa called on INEC and security agencies to uphold transparency and professionalism during the collation process. It also urged voters and stakeholders to remain peaceful as voting concludes and collation continues.
The organisation commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for apprehending individuals involved in vote-buying and called for their prosecution. Yiaga Africa pledged to provide timely updates to ensure credible election outcomes.
