- The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room reports widespread vote buying during the Edo State election, with voters offered ₦5,000 to ₦10,000
- Despite security presence, vote buying persisted, leading to some arrests; the Situation Room praised voters for their peaceful conduct during elections
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), reported widespread cases of vote buying and selling during the Edo State Governorship election. The group, represented by Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Mimidoo Achakpa, and Franklin Oloniju, highlighted that voters were being offered between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 in exchange for their votes in various locations across the state, including Owan-East, Etsako-West, Egor, Oredo, and Owan-West LGAs.
In addition to cash, some voters were reportedly given food items, such as bread, as inducement. The group noted that despite a significant presence of security personnel, vote buying continued in several polling units. However, there were some arrests, with two individuals allegedly involved in vote trading being apprehended at George Idah Primary School in Oredo LGA.
The Situation Room praised the electorate’s peaceful conduct, urging them to remain calm throughout the election process. It also acknowledged the complexity of combating vote buying, with Deputy Inspector General of Police Frank Mba explaining that much of the vote-trading occurs out of public view, making it difficult to police. Nonetheless, he assured that law enforcement would deal with visible cases of vote buying.
The Situation Room consists of various CSOs, including the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), Action Aid Nigeria, and YIAGA Africa. They continue to monitor the electoral process to ensure transparency and accountability.