The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) Election Analysis Centre (EAC) has raised concerns about widespread vote trading and voter suppression during the Ondo State Governorship Election held on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
In its preliminary report issued to the media and obtained by FREEDOM TELEVISION CHANNEL 34 UHF NEWSROOM by the CDD-EAC Lead Observer, Professor Victor Adetula , the organization highlighted key irregularities observed across the state’s 18 local government areas.
The CDD-EAC who deployed 104 trained observers, including specialists in countering disinformation, to monitor the electoral process said their findings revealed multiple instances of vote-buying, with political parties allegedly using financial incentives to influence voters.
According to the organization, In Okitipupa LGA, APC agents reportedly offered voters ₦10,000 each, while PDP agents offered ₦3,000 saying Similar activities were documented in Odigbo and Ese-Odo LGAs, with voters allegedly being paid cash or promised rewards after casting their votes.
It added that In some cases, voters were given tally marks or coupons to redeem payments at designated locations.
“ At Akure North LGA, tensions escalated when voters were required to display their choices publicly, leading to disputes that security personnel had to mediate.
In addition to vote trading, CDD observers noted incidents of voter suppression. At Akoko North West, Oke Agbe Ward 3, Unit 17, APC supporters allegedly overpowered PDP agents while security officials failed to intervene initially.”
Reports from observers indicated that some officials appeared biased, referencing obligations to specific political interests.
Disinformation during the election was reportedly minimal compared to previous polls, with the CDD War Room identifying only 13 claims, 12 of which were debunked as false or misleading.
This marked a significant decrease from the 61 claims observed during the Edo election.
Despite these irregularities, voter turnout was notably low, with several polling units closing early due to limited participation.
The Organization Lead Observer, Professor Victor Adetula, expressed concern over the challenges faced during accreditation, including voters not being on the register or lacking Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The Organization however commended the peaceful conduct of voters and urged all stakeholders to adhere to the rule of law as the collation and declaration of results continue.
The organization promised to provide a comprehensive report on the electoral process in the coming days.
FREEDOM TELEVISION CHANNEL 34 UHF NEWSROOM
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