The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has said there was widespread vote-buying by agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ondo State governorship election.

In its preliminary report on the election, CDD said its observers saw policemen arguing over money shared by a party stalwart in Ward 005, PU 001, St. Barnabas Primary School, Ifon, in the state.

The policemen reportedly frowned that about 10 of them were given N100,000, while only one official from another branch of the armed services allegedly got N15,000.

Director of CDD-West Africa, Dr. Dauda Garuba, and Lead of CDD-EAC Observation Mission for the Ondo poll, Prof. Victor Adetula, in the preliminary report, said widespread vote-buying by agents of the two major parties was recorded.

The report noted that while PDP paid N5,000, APC shared N10,000 per person in exchange for votes.

The statement read: “CDD observers watching the process in Ward 5, PU 001, located at St. Johns Primary School, Iba Akoko South East spotted APC leaders writing down the names of those who voted for their candidate. Subsequently, a card was given to them, and they were instructed to converge at an agreed location where cash would be disbursed to them.

“In Ward 005, PU 001, St. Barnabas Primary School, Ifon, CDD-EAC observers saw policemen arguing over money shared by a party stalwart. The policemen reportedly frowned that about 10 of them were given N100,000, while only one official from another branch of the armed services allegedly got N15,000.

“The situation was similar in Ondo Central senatorial district where several polling units witnessed incidents of vote buying. In Ifedore LGA, Ward 1, PU 12 (Olafare), political party agents distributed tally marks and coupons to voters. These were later presented at designated locations to claim monetary rewards. Similarly, in Ondo East LGA, Ward 002, PU 002 (Dispensary/Bolorunduro Odo-Aladura Health Centre), party agents strategically positioned themselves to monitor voters’ choices, offering financial incentives after the votes were cast.”

CDD pointed out that voters were seen capturing their ballot with phones and presenting them as proof to be paid in places where the practice of “see and buy” was difficult because of the presence of security personnel.

The organisation reported that at Akure North LGA, Ward 5, PU 13 (Gloryland Primary School), tensions flared over a requirement for voters to display their choices publicly before casting their ballots.

“Many objected to this practice, arguing it violated the confidentiality of the voting process. The disagreement led to heated arguments, with security personnel stepping in to mediate.

“The behaviour of party agents sparked multiple conflicts during the voting process. In Idanre LGA, Ward 06, PU 004 (Methodist High School), APC agents were accused of strategically monitoring voters’ choices, a move initially defended by security officials but later curtailed after protests. In another incident at Ifedore LGA, Ward 1, PU 12 (Olafare), a confrontation arose when an APC agent attempted to assist a person with disabilities in voting, which was strongly opposed by a PDP agent. This dispute escalated into a physical altercation, requiring security intervention to restore order,” CDD noted.

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the prompt arrival of electoral officials at polling units, it said 99 per cent of CDD observers reported that the INEC officials were at their stations before 8:30 am.

It added: “The CDD-EAC applauds that there was at least one Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in all the polling units we observed, with 90 per cent recording at least one polling unit and the others recording two systems. We will actively monitor the collation and result upload process to see if the machines were dutifully used at all stages of the election process.

“CDD-EAC observers similarly reported incidents of voter suppression at Akoko North West, Oke Agbe Ward 3, Unit 17. At the polling unit, APC supporters overpowered the PDP agents, and security officials did not initially interfere until they were prompted to do so. Observers note that some officials and security personnel reported that they were under obligation to deliver this polling unit and referred to it being the polling unit of the Minister of Interior.

“While our subsequent statement will look at other electoral processes in detail, we note with concern that as of 2:30 pm, 52% of our observers reported instances of people not being allowed to vote due to some challenges around the accreditation process, such as people not being on the voter register and some not having their PVCs.

“We also note extensive instances of voters marking ballots, agents distributing money, and brazen attempts to suppress voters in certain parts of the state. Perhaps most worryingly, a large number of our observers note low voter turnout and polling units being able to close early. CDD-EAC observers will continue to keep a close watch on the election up until voting ends, and counting and collation of results begin. Further updates on findings will be provided at the end of voting.

“CDD commends voters in Ondo for the calm and peaceful manner in which they have conducted themselves throughout this process so far. We urge all stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure adherence to the rule of law and due process as the election, collation, and declaration of results reach their conclusion.” (The Guardian)