THIS DAY
An election observer group, Connected Development (CODE), has expressed dismay over verified reports of vote buying, saying votes were sold for as high as N20,000 in Market Square, Ogia Town Ward of Ogbia Local government area of Bayelsa state.
It added that votes buying were also witnessed at Ama-Ukwu Umuawaka Square Ward, of Njaba LGA, Imo state where votes were traded for as low as one N1,000, describing the practice as disturbing and must be halted.
Its Director, Democracy and Governance and head of Uzabe Elections Situation Room, Emmanuel Njoku, disclosed this while addressing a midday press conference in Lokoja, Kogi state.
He noted that it was heartening to report that the overall atmosphere in all three states had been peaceful and calm.
Njoku commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Permit for the early deployment of Adhoc staff and materials which ensured the early commencement of voting in various wards.
He added priority voting for the elderly had been observed in various locations like Mopa-Muro LGA in Kogi (Pandaya Market) and Ekeremor LGA (Ayama Ward) in Bayelsa amongst others.
Njoku added: “Disturbingly, in Bayelsa, Market Square Ogia Town Ward of Ogbia LGA, verified reports of vote buying have surfaced, with amounts going as high as N20,000. This was also observed at Ama-Ukwu Umuawaka Square Ward, of Njaba LGA, Imo state where votes were traded for as low as one thousand naira. This practice is disturbing and must be halted
