Agents of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party reportedly stormed the Anglican Primary School in Irele, Ondo State, on election day with large sums of cash allegedly intended for vote-buying.
According to eyewitness accounts, a female party agent was seen flaunting cash to voters and urging them to quickly verify their names on the voters’ register.
The PUNCH reported that the agent displayed the money openly to emphasize her seriousness in influencing votes.
In another instance, a different party agent arrived in a mini-van carrying a large “Ghana Must Go” bag filled with money. Witnesses observed her compiling a list while engaging in discussions with other party agents. A resident identified the woman as a known APC agent in the area, further fueling suspicions of her involvement in vote-buying activities.
The desperation to sway voters was underscored by the remark of a heavily pregnant woman who risked coming to vote despite her condition. When asked why she chose to participate in the election, she candidly replied, “dibo ko sebe,” a Yoruba phrase meaning “vote and cook a pot of soup.” Her statement highlighted the monetary incentives that reportedly motivated many voters to come out.
These incidents have once again drawn attention to the widespread issue of vote-buying in Nigerian elections, raising concerns about the credibility of the process and the role of political parties in perpetuating electoral malpractice.
