Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have revealed alarming details about the recent governorship election in Edo State, indicating that politicians resorted to vote buying using everyday items like bread and cash payments of N5,000.
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) reported widespread instances of voter inducement at polling units (PUs) during the election.
In a statement, the group noted that observers witnessed blatant vote buying despite a strong presence of security personnel.
“Situation Room observers reported widespread instances of blatant vote buying and selling across several polling units, despite the huge presence of security personnel,” the group said.
According to the statement co-signed by Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Mimidoo Achakpa, and Franklin Oloniju, the price of votes varied, with reports of politicians offering cash ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 per voter.
“The price of votes ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per voter in several locations, including PU08 and 09 Ward 2, Owan-East LGA; PU 02 Ward 2, Etsako-West LGA; and several polling units in Egor, Oredo and Owan-West LGAs,” the group stated.
