Edo State Governorship Election: Civil Society Organization Alleges Voter Inducement by Political Parties

Ahead of next Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Nigeria, a civil society organization, Yiaga Africa, has accused political parties of inducing eligible voters during campaign tours. The organization made the allegation at a pre-election observation press briefing on Friday in Benin City.

According to Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programs at Yiaga Africa, the alleged incidents took place at Uselu market in Egor LGA, Amiebonkhian community in Esan North East, and Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South East LGA. Mbamalu claimed that the electoral offenses were committed by both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Yiaga Africa’s Long Term Observers (LTO) documented the alleged incidents, which included political parties and politicians distributing cash, presents, and food items to entice voters. The organization’s observers witnessed these activities throughout the pre-election campaigns.

In one instance, PDP campaigners gave wrappers to women who joined a campaign gathering in the Amiebonkhian community of Esan North East LGA. In another, PDP campaigners in the Ubiaja community of Esan South East LGA gave store owners shirts, caps, umbrellas, and as much as N2000.

Mbamalu noted that these alleged trends have compromised the credibility of election mandates. She also expressed concern about the security situation in the state, which is still unstable due to kidnappings and a rise in cult activities resulting in fatalities.

Citizens are at risk from insecurity, which provides a window of opportunity for political manipulation of the precarious security environment, Mbamalu warned. She further stated that the integrity of the voting process and its peaceful conduct may be threatened by the unregulated proliferation of such activities.

Yiaga Africa has called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute all those involved in any form of violence and voter inducement in the days leading to the election. The organization has also urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to convene a security meeting to address and resolve the issues raised by the PDP and other aggrieved parties at the September 11, 2024 stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The alleged voter inducement and insecurity concerns have raised questions about the credibility of the upcoming election in Edo State. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether these issues will be addressed and the voting process will be conducted peacefully.