Commission Refutes Blame for Election Irregularities
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responded to allegations of vote-buying that marred the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024. INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, emphasized that the commission should not be held accountable for these actions, which he attributed to the behavior of political parties rather than the electoral body. He stated that the ongoing issue of vote-buying is a result of unscrupulous attempts by parties seeking unfair advantages during elections.
Election Results and Claims of Manipulation
In the recent election, INEC declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, securing 291,667 votes against Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes. However, the election results were overshadowed by allegations of voter manipulation and irregularities. Observers, including civil society organizations, condemned the electoral process, with some disputing the results in specific local government areas due to widespread vote-buying.
Details of Alleged Vote-Buying Activities
Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, reported that major political parties engaged in vote-buying, offering bribes ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 to voters. Ighodalo accused the APC of providing incentives between N10,000 and N20,000, claiming that INEC allowed the ruling party to manipulate the election process. Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata also highlighted the challenges of voter apathy and the pervasive issue of vote-buying during the election.
Security Forces Take Action Against Corruption
In response to the vote-buying allegations, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made several arrests connected to the practices during the election. Oyekanmi defended INEC by stating that the commission has worked diligently to enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria. He pointed out that INEC has implemented recommendations from both national and international observers to improve the electoral process.
Calls for Collective Responsibility
Oyekanmi further urged all stakeholders involved in the electoral process to contribute positively and refrain from undermining efforts to achieve fair elections. He stressed that the responsibility of maintaining electoral integrity does not rest solely on INEC but requires cooperation from political actors and voters alike. “We have been fighting to ensure credible elections, and now it’s time for political actors to play their part,” he stated.
Conclusion: The Need for Electoral Reforms
The allegations of vote-buying during the Edo State election highlight ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. As INEC continues to advocate for reforms and transparency, the commission faces pressure to restore public confidence in the electoral process. The involvement of security agencies in addressing electoral corruption signals a broader commitment to enhancing the integrity of future elections in Nigeria.
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