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Ondo Election: Politicians Resort to Cash and Food to Win Voters’ Favor

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 12th, 2024.

Ondo Election: Politicians Resort to Cash and Food to Win Voters’ Favor

By Tosin Tope, Akure

As Ondo State prepares for its governorship election this Saturday, reports have emerged of political parties using food and cash to win over voters.

Our reporter observed that political parties have been distributing essential items such as rice, noodles, maize, and fertilizers in local communities, seemingly as part of last-minute efforts to sway voter sentiment ahead of the election.

Some local residents shared with Daily Trust how these strategies are being employed to gain support. In Ifedore Local Government Area, Joseph Ayeni, a local leader, revealed that one of the major political parties had handed out rice and noodles to residents, presenting the gesture as a goodwill offering from their candidate.

“They arrived in our community with bags of rice and packs of noodles, which they distributed from their vehicle, claiming it was a gift from the governorship candidate,” Ayeni recalled. “The rice was shared among us, and the women divided the noodles.”

Additionally, it was reported that some parties have been giving out cash to voters who gather at campaign events where candidates outline their platforms.

A farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, described how his community received maize, fertilizers, and pesticides from another political group. “They said they couldn’t visit without bringing something for us,” he explained, noting, however, that the distribution was not equally beneficial for everyone in the area.

As these practices grow more widespread, the election monitoring organization Yiaga Africa has expressed concerns over the potential for voter bribery.

Speaking in Akure, Safiya Bichi, Yiaga Africa’s Head of Knowledge Management and Learning, highlighted reports of vote-buying in multiple local government areas, including Akure South, Ifedore, and Owo.

Bichi explained that party leaders are allegedly working with community heads to distribute food and money in a bid to influence voting decisions. She condemned the practice, stressing that the increasing tensions between rival parties, each accusing the other of vote manipulation, underscore the need for vigilance and peaceful conduct during the election.

“This situation calls for heightened awareness and the promotion of a peaceful election process,” Bichi stated. She also urged security agencies to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and fairness of the election. “It is crucial to protect voters, election officials, and all participants to preserve the integrity of the electoral process,” she added.