An election observer-group, Yiaga Africa, has revealed how vote buying marred the peaceful conduct of the just concluded Ekiti State gubernatorial election in Ijero Ekiti, Ikere and Ado Ekiti.
This statement was released by YIAGA during a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Sunday.
Yiaga’s Director of Programs, Cynthia Mbamalu stated that there was confirmation of voter bribery and inducement in Ijero local Government, with polling unit code 13/09/04/00 where APC agents were reportedly sighted sharing #7,000 to voters.
It further stated that PDP and SDP, APC agents equally bribed voters in Ward A, Ipoti, in Ogidi area of the state with the sum of #5,000.
The statement read: “Vote buying was reported by WTV observers in Alowodolu / Ojo – The Apostolic P.S compound with PU code 13/09/04/00 in Ijero ward D of Ijero LGA. Party agents from APC were reportedly sharing the sum of N7, 000 to voters who showed how their ballot paper was marked.
In addition, a similar report on vote buying by APC was received from Bamitale along St. Mary’s Road in Ikere and in Ogidi – in Ipoti Ward A, where party agents from PDP and SDP were seen bribing voters with the sum of N5000 to induce voters.
The group further stated that despite the presence of security officials in all polling units across the state, there was confirmed report of ballot box snatching at two polling units in Ilawe Ward IV, near St. Patrick’s school.
Packaged By Emmanuel Adeniran
