By Abubakar Yunus
A political think tank, the Centre for Democracy and Development, reported numerous instances of voter inducement across the three states on Saturday.
The organization disclosed that its observers documented incidents in PU 1, Ward 8, and PU 11, Ward 1 in Sagbama LGA in Bayelsa West. In Bayelsa Central, vote trading occurred in PU 16, Ward 6 in Yenegoa LGA, PU 22, Ward 13 in Southern Ijaw LGA, with reports of inducements ranging from 5,000 – 22,000 Naira, including items such as wrappers.
Prof. Adele Jinadu, Chair of CDD Election Analysis Centre, shared this information in the preliminary statement on the Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi off-cycle elections.
The statement, summarizing CDD-EAC findings based on observers’ data, noted instances of vote buying and the distribution of rice in PU 30 and 31, Ward 13. Concerns were raised about potential links to delayed flood and subsidy palliatives recently distributed by state governments.
“In Kogi, vote buying reports surfaced in PUs 004, 038, and 039 in Ward A of Lokoja LGA, where party agents allegedly shared money with voters who confirmed voting for their candidates.
“Both APC and PDP agents engaged in vote buying, with incidents reported in various locations, including Mbutu Ward, Aboh Mbaise LGA, Civic Centre Ward, Mbaitoli LGA, and Olamaboro LGA, Ward 3, Unit 12.
“Similar trends occurred in Imo, where incidents were observed in Civic Centre Ward and Umuodu Ward, both in Mbaitoli-Ezinihitte LGA. Additionally, reports surfaced in Central School UmuNakanu Ehime LGA, where INEC ad-hoc staff allegedly received monetary inducements.
“Vote buying incidents were concentrated in Mbaitoli-Ezinihitte, Owerri West, and Njaba LGAs, notable for having the highest number of collected PVCs’.
While expressing concern about irregularities, Prof. Jinadu highlighted pre-filled election result sheets in Ogori/Magongo LGA and canvassing for support before voting in Iluteju PU. INEC’s subsequent cancellation of voting in affected areas was acknowledged, with a call for strict punishment for offenders.
“In Ogori/Magongo LGA, a party agent was reportedly caught with bullets and naira notes. Troubling developments occurred in Nembe LGA, Bayelsa, with allegations of election material hijacking and agents thumbprinting for APC.”
Prof. Jinadu noted incidents in Dekini LGA and Yenagoa LGA, where a person was shot at Famgbe community, and thugs destroyed election materials in PU 24 Ward.
He said security lapses were reported in Brass PU 7 Ward 7 and PU 9 Ward 4, emphasizing the need for improved security presence during elections.
A”n incident was reported in Imo, PU1, Aladinma Ward, Owerri Municipal LGA, involving a former House of Representatives member causing trouble and arguments with other party agents.”