Yiaga Africa, an election observation group, has reported that APC and PDP party agents were seen buying votes with N10,000 each in some polling units during the Edo governorship election.
The group highlighted factors that undermined the election, including logistical challenges, poor weather conditions, and the absence of security personnel.
Despite a peaceful start, delays in accreditation and voting were attributed to these issues. Yiaga Africa called on INEC to strictly enforce its guidelines and resist pressure to deviate from the electoral legal framework.
The group commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and security agencies for their swift action in arresting suspected vote-buyers and called for the commission to extend its operations to other LGAs where votes are being traded for N10,000 per voter. The Nigeria Police was also applauded for arresting and disarming political thugs with firearms on the eve of the election.
