Ondo Election2024: DSS arrests vote-buyer with two huge bags of cash

Officials from the Department of State Services (DSS) have detained a suspected vote-buyer during the ongoing Ondo governorship election.

The individual was found in possession of two bags filled with cash, allegedly meant for voter inducement, as reported by SaharaReporters.

The arrest took place at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, located outside St. Stephen’s Primary School in Akure, Ondo State, around 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Reports indicate that various political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have been implicated in vote-buying activities during this election cycle.

SaharaReporters noted that these practices were particularly prevalent in the Irele Local Government Area.

At polling unit 007 (PU007), Ajagba Ward 2, agents from certain political parties were observed distributing signed papers to voters, which served as tickets for payment post-voting.

Voters indicated that these papers would facilitate cash collection from the agents after the election, although they were uncertain about the specific amounts they would receive.

Earlier in the day, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the APC’s governorship candidate in Ondo State, cast his vote early at his designated polling unit.

He arrived at Igbo Ward 4 in the Obenla community of Ilaje Local Government Area at 8:46 a.m., accompanied by security personnel, and completed his voting by 8:48 a.m.

This election is a significant moment for Aiyedatiwa as he seeks re-election under the APC banner.

Additionally, some voters reported issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.

Omotayo Akinlami, a voter at Polling Unit 004, Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, in the Ese-Odo Local Government Area, expressed concerns that the malfunctioning BVAS was hindering the electoral process in their area, suggesting that it would be beneficial for INEC to consider alternative solutions.