Vote-buying: Politicians Woo Electorates With Cash, Food Items Ahead Of Ondo Guber Poll

[Richard Ogunsile]

Reports have revealed that some politicians are trying to influence voters through the distribution of food and cash ahead of the Ondo State governorship election holding this Saturday.​

Naija News learnt that various political parties are providing essential goods such as rice, noodles, maize, and fertilizers to local communities in a last-ditch effort to attract voters throughout the state.

Some voters have informed Daily Trust about the tactics being used by parties to gain votes.

In Ifedore LGA, community leader Joseph Ayeni mentioned that a prominent party distributed rice and noodles to locals, presenting it as a gesture of goodwill from their candidate.

“They came to our community with packs of noodles and bags of rice, which they distributed from their bus, saying it was from the governorship candidate,” Ayeni recounted.

“We shared the rice, while the women divided the noodles.”

Additionally, it was reported that certain political factions have also been handing out monetary presents to encourage voters to support their affiliated campaign organizations whenever the locals come together to hear the candidates discuss their strategies and initiatives.

A farmer, seeking to remain unidentified, mentioned that his region got corn, agricultural supplements, and even insecticides from a different political group.

“They gave out these items during their campaign, saying they couldn’t visit without bringing something for us,” the farmer told reports, adding that not all residents benefitted equally.

As these patterns of behavior accelerate, the election oversight organization Yiaga Africa has expressed worries about the use of incentives to encourage voting.

In Akure, Safiya Bichi, who leads Yiaga Africa’s team focused on knowledge, management, and learning, highlighted cases of offering money in exchange for votes in various local government regions, such as Akure South, Ifedore, and Owo.

Ms. Bichi shared that party leaders are working together with local community figures to distribute food and money, with the intention of swaying the results of the elections.

She condemned the practice, noting that tensions are rising as parties accuse each other of vote manipulation.

“This situation highlights the need for vigilance and peaceful conduct,” Bichi stated.

She urged security agencies to take proactive steps to ensure a safe and fair election.

“Ensuring the safety of voters, election officials, and participants is crucial to maintaining electoral integrity. Preventive measures are essential to avert violence and ensure a peaceful election,” Bichi added.

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