The Edo State politicians have been reported to have resorted to buying votes with bread and N5,000 at Edo Polling Units, according to CSOs. This unethical practice undermines the integrity of the electoral process and goes against the principles of democracy. Such actions should not be tolerated, and it’s crucial for all citizens to stand against this type of manipulation.
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) reported that politicians engaged in vote-buying during the Edo State governorship election. It was alleged that electorates were offered sums as low as N5000 and a loaf of bread in exchange for their votes.
Politicians Reportedly Bought Votes With Bread And N5,000 At Edo Polling Units – CSOs
It has come to our attention that there have been numerous reports of blatant vote buying and selling across various polling units, despite the significant presence of security personnel. The cost of votes ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per voter in several locations, including PU08 and 09 Ward 2, Owan-East LGA; PU 02 Ward 2, Etsako-West LGA; and several polling units in Egor, Oredo, and Owan-West LGAs. Additionally, there have been instances where voters were enticed with food items such as bread.(Co-signed by Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Mimidoo Achakpa, and Franklin Oloniju)
The group, however, acknowledged the arrest of the alleged two vote traders in George Idah Primary School, Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area.
The Situation Room commended the orderly conduct of voters and encouraged them to maintain composure throughout the process.
The Situation Room comprises esteemed Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) such as the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), CLEEN Foundation, Action Aid Nigeria, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), YIAGA Africa, and TAF Africa.
Other participants include the Emma Ezeazu Center for Good Governance and Accountability (formerly the Alliance for Credible Elections), the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center (RULAAC), Kimpact Development Initiative, Democratic Action Group (DAG), Women’s Rights to Education Program, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), DIG Ebonyi, New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), Life And Peace Development Organization (LAPDO), Rural Youth Initiative, Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), Center for Health and Development in Africa (CHEDA), and Josemaria Escriva Foundation.
