The Police Service Commission (PSC) has reported instances of vote buying at some polling centers during the Ondo State governorship election, a recurring issue in Nigerian elections.
Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesperson, stated, “There were, however, reports of pockets of vote buying in some voting centres, which have become a recurring issue in elections in the country.”
Despite this setback, the PSC commended the security personnel deployed for the election. Ani noted, “The PSC expressed its satisfaction with the performance of the security personnel who policed the Ondo State governorship election held today.” The security officers, particularly the police, arrived on time and fulfilled their constitutional responsibility of securing the election space.
The police officers were polite, civil, and firm in conducting their electoral duties. DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, Deputy Inspector General of Police, oversaw the security management, ensuring seamless deployment of personnel. Other senior officers, including AIG Benneth Igwe and CP Abayomi Oladipo Peter, assisted him.
The election security was deemed “generally credible and above average” by PSC monitors, receiving commendation from the Civil Society Situation Room. The Situation Room also praised the Commission’s proactive oversight of police conduct during elections. This development highlights the need for continued efforts to address vote buying and ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Yiaga Africa, a civic organization, also observed the election, deploying 325 observers across the 18 local government areas. Their findings will provide valuable insights into the election’s conduct and outcome. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, addressing electoral challenges remains crucial.
