EDO State Governorship Election Witnesses Vote Buying and Selling Allegations

A coalition of Nigerian Civil Society Organisations, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), has reported instances of blatant vote buying and selling at polling units across Edo State during the September 21 governorship election. Despite the significant presence of security personnel, NCSSR observers reportedly witnessed widespread vote trading in multiple locations.

According to NCSSR, votes were being sold for up to ₦10,000 per voter in places such as PU08 and 09 Ward 2, Owan-East Local Government Area, PU02 Ward 2, Etsako-West Local Government Area, and several other polling units in Egor, Oredo, and Owan-West Local Governments. In some cases, voters were also induced with food items like bread. However, the group does acknowledge the arrest of the two alleged vote traders caught at George Idah Primary School, Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area.

The Situation Room commendably praised the overall peaceful conduct of voters during the election and urged those taking part to remain calm. NCSSR includes Civil Society Organisations from Nigeria and the region, namely Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), CLEEN Foundation, Action Aid Nigeria, and more.

This raises questions about the integrity and legitimacy of the electoral process. It is crucial to have credible and transparent governance structures to ensure the power transfer and accountability of governance to the people. Only by doing so can public confidence in the system remain unwavering.

(Source: Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room)