Kehinde Fajobi
Yiaga Africa has raised concerns over the use of cash and food gifts to sway voters ahead of next Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo state.
The group warned that political parties are engaging in such practices to secure support for the election.
Speaking at the signing of the Peace Accord in Akure, the state capital, Safiya Bichi, Head of Knowledge, Management, and Learning at Yiaga Africa, revealed that long-term observers have witnessed incidents of voter inducement across various local government areas, including Akure South, Ese-Odo, Ifedore, Irele, Ondo East, Ose, and Owo.
According to Bichi, political leaders have been distributing items like fertilisers, rice, cassava, and maize to community leaders, instructing them to share these goods within their networks.
Bichi highlighted that voter turnout in the state has not exceeded 40 percent since 2011, with Ondo North traditionally seeing higher participation.
However, she noted that the Ondo Central district holds the highest concentration of registered voters but also has a record of high rejection rates of votes, particularly before the 2020 election.
“As the election approaches, tensions between political parties are escalating, with different sides trading accusations and warnings,”
Bichi stated, stressing the need for vigilance and peaceful conduct from all stakeholders. She called on security agencies to take proactive measures to mitigate risks.
“Preventive measures must be prioritized to avert violence and ensure a peaceful election,” Bichi concluded.