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Ondo 2024: Politicians Begin Vote-Buying With Food, Cash Few Days Before Election

Esther

As the Ondo State governorship election approaches, concerns over vote-buying have intensified. Political parties are reportedly distributing food items and cash to sway voters, a practice that has raised major worries about the fairness of the electoral process.


Observers have noted the distribution of essential goods such as rice, noodles, maize, and fertilizers across various communities, including Ifedore Local Government Area, where residents reported receiving staple items from a major party. Community leader Joseph Ayeni described these distributions as "goodwill gestures" but acknowledged their potential to influence voter choices.


Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring organization, has flagged these activities as part of growing vote-buying concerns in Ondo. According to Safiya Bichi, Head of Knowledge, Management, and Learning at Yiaga Africa, political parties are allegedly collaborating with local community leaders to disperse food and cash in several local government areas.


Bichi emphasized the importance of safeguarding voters, election officials, and participants to uphold electoral integrity and prevent violence during the election.


The rising allegations of vote-buying have sparked calls for authorities to ensure a free, safe, and transparent election. As the election day draws near, political parties are reportedly perfecting plans to emerge victorious, including stockpiling funds for vote buying and finalizing merger deals with smaller parties to boost their vote count. It is alleged that at least N20,000 has been earmarked for each voter on election day, with politicians willing to increase the amount to secure votes, especially in areas where they are less popular.




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