Ondo: Yiaga Africa Flags Vote Buying, Other Infractions

Election monitoring organization Yiaga Africa has raised concerns about the integrity of the just concluded Ondo State governorship election, citing incidents of vote buying and other irregularities.

Yiaga deployed 300 stationary observers across 300 polling units the 18 local government areas of Ondo State to monitor the election.

In its preliminary report, Yiaga Africa noted that while the election began peacefully and in an orderly manner, instances of electoral malpractice, including vote trading, were observed. According to the group, vote buying has become a persistent issue in Nigeria’s electoral process, undermining its credibility.

The report commended operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) for apprehending an individual allegedly involved in vote trading at St. Stephen Polling Unit in Ward 4, Akure. However, it also highlighted other incidents where security agents failed to intervene. At polling units in Ifedore and Ileoluji LGAs, agents of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were observed offering cash inducements ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 to voters.

Yiaga Africa also detailed logistical successes and challenges. It commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for deploying officials and materials on time, with accreditation and voting starting by 9:30 a.m. in 91% of observed polling units. However, the group flagged concerns about accessibility for persons with disabilities, noting that 31% of polling units had physical barriers such as steps and gutters that made voting difficult.

The deployment of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices was another area of focus. While every polling unit observed had at least one BVAS device, there were reports of malfunctioning devices that disrupted voting in some areas, including Leo Hospital Polling Unit in Akure South LGA.

Yiaga Africa also reported obstruction of its observers at certain locations, including Igbelowowa Methodist Primary School polling unit in Idanre LGA, where security personnel and election officials denied access to a stationed observer.

In its recommendations, Yiaga Africa urged INEC to ensure strict adherence to its collation guidelines and provide access to party agents, accredited media, and election observers. The organization also called on security agencies to remain professional, nonpartisan, and proactive in addressing vote trading and other electoral violations.

The group further advised all stakeholders, including political parties, voters, and security agencies, to remain committed to a peaceful conclusion of the election process, emphasizing the need for orderly conduct during results collation.

The Ondo State governorship election, while demonstrating citizens’ willingness to participate peacefully, has once again highlighted the challenges of vote buying and other infractions, reinforcing the need for reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
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