The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deployed its operatives to strategic locations in Akure, the Ondo State capital, to prevent vote buying and ensure the integrity of the ongoing governorship election.
The move is aimed at checking the alleged plans by some political parties to induce voters with cash.
Reports indicate that EFCC operatives were spotted at the Sacred Heart Primary School, Cathedral, Akure, and other polling units across the state. The commission’s presence is expected to deter vote buying and promote a free and fair election.
The governorship election is taking place across 3,933 polling units in the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ondo State ¹. Voting commenced at about 8:30 am in several polling units, although some areas experienced delays due to the late arrival of election materials.
In related news, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested a vote buyer with two bags of cash in one of the polling units. This development underscores the determination of security agencies to prevent electoral malpractices and ensure a credible election.
Meanwhile, Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Ondo voters to resist vote buying and selling, emphasizing that accepting bribes would undermine the democratic process. Obi stressed that the electorate should prioritize the nation’s interest over personal gains.
The Ondo governorship election is a crucial test of the state’s democratic institutions, and the EFCC’s efforts to prevent vote buying are commendable. As the electoral process unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to ensure that the outcome reflects the genuine will of the people.
