Edo 2024: Surge in Vote-Buying Allegations Marks Upcoming Governorship Election
As Edo State braces for its highly anticipated governorship election, major political parties—including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP)—are facing serious allegations of massive financial mobilization for vote-buying.
PulseNets has reported that the upcoming election, scheduled for next Saturday, is expected to witness an unprecedented scale of vote-buying in Nigeria’s electoral history. Sources have revealed that the price for a vote could reach between N15,000 and N20,000, with some parties reportedly planning to collect voter cards, though their precise intentions remain unclear. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have been assigned to oversee the electoral process.
The surge in financial mobilization appears to be part of a broader, coordinated effort by political actors to undermine the electoral integrity in what is being described as a “desperate bid” to secure victory. PulseNets sources have confirmed that parties are prepared to take extreme measures to ensure their win.
One insider lamented, “The distribution of gifts during campaigns has become deeply entrenched in our political system, making voters vulnerable and compromising their ability to hold the government accountable.” The insider warned that this practice of vote-buying poses significant threats to the election’s integrity.
A political observer, speaking to PulseNets, emphasized the urgency of action from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies. “Without decisive measures, this election could become notorious for record-high vote-buying,” the observer cautioned. They also stressed the need for vigilant monitoring of party agents on election day, following reports of plans to distribute substantial sums of money to influence voters.
Rampant Voter Inducement Documented
Yiaga Africa, a leading election monitoring organization, has highlighted instances of alleged vote-buying by both the PDP and APC. According to Jennifer Dafwat, Media Officer for Yiaga Africa, the organization has observed various parties distributing cash and gifts to sway voters. “The credibility of election mandates is eroding due to this troubling trend,” Dafwat reported. Yiaga Africa’s findings include accounts of market women in Uselu Market, Egor Local Government Area, receiving cash gifts between N1,000 and N2,000 from APC and PDP operatives during campaign events. Similar patterns of inducement were noted in Esan North East and Esan South East LGAs.
These revelations align with concerns expressed by Samson Isibor, chairman of the Edo State Conference of Registered Political Parties. Isibor criticized vote-buying as indicative of transactional politics and warned that parties engaging in this practice are failing to serve the public’s best interests. “Those who buy votes are not genuinely committed to serving the people. You should sell your manifesto, not buy votes,” he advised.
Accusations Fly Among Political Parties
Tensions are escalating as political parties exchange accusations of vote-buying and other unethical practices. Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, accused the APC of relying on violence and financial inducements instead of engaging in issue-based campaigning. Osadolor claimed, “The APC is not prepared for the election; they are depending on federal might and have even recruited police officers into their scheme.” He further alleged that the APC has enlisted thugs from neighboring states to manipulate the election, motivated by the growing popularity of PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, echoed these claims, accusing the APC of assembling a “torture squad” to intimidate and abduct residents, aiming to sabotage the election process. “The APC is becoming desperate as Dr. Asue Ighodalo gains more support,” Ologunagba alleged.
In response, APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim accused the PDP of plotting to rig the election. “The PDP has a history of rigging and is now making noise about arrests and vote-buying because they know they are losing grip,” Ibrahim stated. He also accused the PDP of refusing to sign a peace accord, suggesting that their rigging plans had been exposed.
Also Read: Edo 2024: Drama as PDP expels, Philip Shaibu, Orbih, Ogbeide-Ihama from party
As the election approaches, concerns about electoral malpractice intensify. With mounting accusations and evidence of vote-buying, stakeholders are urging INEC and security agencies to ensure a fair and transparent election process in Edo State. The effectiveness of these measures in curbing the trend of vote-buying remains to be seen.
