The Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa (CDD-West Africa), through its Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC), has alleged that the ongoing Edo State governorship election has witnessed incidents of vote buying by both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, the Chair of CDD-EAC, Professor Adele Jinadu, stated, “It was observed that the APC and PDP offered between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 in exchange for votes.”
Professor Jinadu further noted that incidents of vote buying were recorded in Edo Central, particularly in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Ward 10, Polling Unit 014; Esan Central, Ward 5, Unit 4 at Eguare Primary School; and Esan North East, Ward 5, Uromi. Both the APC and PDP were implicated.
Similar occurrences were observed in Esan West LGA, Ward 6, at Central Primary School Iruekpen Ekpoma, PU 004. Reports indicated that this practice contributed to an increase in voter turnout as news of financial incentives spread.
” At Ward 5, Polling Unit 4, Awo Primary School, voter account numbers were allegedly collected after votes were cast for a specific party.
In Edo South, incidents of vote buying were also reported in Oredo Local Government Area, Ward 12, Ibiwe/Iwegie/Ugbague at Ibiwe I, Oba Market. Both PDP and Labour Party (LP) officials were identified as attempting to induce voters.
” Some agents were also seen engaging with Hausa-speaking voters in an effort to influence the local Hausa community”.
On a positive note, around 10:00 a.m., suspected vote buyers were apprehended in Egor Local Government Area. Officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained three individuals—two males and one female—who were then removed from the scene.
However, local residents protested the arrests, accusing the EFCC of unfairly targeting the suspects. A brief confrontation ensued as some residents attempted to obstruct the operatives.
Speaking on electoral offences, Professor Jinadu expressed concern over the widespread nature of these violations, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
“While 88% of our observers reported no campaigns near or at polling units, those who did report electoral offences highlighted widespread vote trading, with officials failing to take corrective action,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the CDD commended voters in Edo State for conducting themselves in a calm and peaceful manner throughout the election process.
The organization also praised some political stakeholders for acknowledging the peaceful nature of the election and urged them to continue promoting peace and adherence to the rule of law as the election heads towards the collation and declaration of results.
To combat the effects of disinformation and information manipulation, the CDD called for strengthening fact-checking initiatives, encouraging fact-checking organizations to work together to counter false narratives during and after the election.
“CDD calls for robust voter education and media literacy campaigns to equip voters with the knowledge and skills to identify and debunk false information,” the statement said.