By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Osun State Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, has raised the alarm over alleged widespread vote-buying in parts of the state, urging security agencies to take decisive action to protect the integrity of the ongoing governorship election.
Igbalaye, who spoke on the conduct of the election, said the process had generally been peaceful, despite pockets of intimidation, technical challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and reports of vote-buying in several polling units.
According to him, the slow performance of the BVAS in some areas had generated complaints among voters, although he noted that the system had improved in some polling units as the exercise progressed.
He, however, identified vote-buying as the major concern confronting the election, alleging that reports reaching him from various wards indicated that significant amounts of money were being offered to voters.
“The problem we are facing now is vote-buying. From the reports I am getting from various wards, there is a large amount of vote-buying going on in some units, and the police are not doing anything,” he said.
Igbalaye said the development was contrary to assurances earlier given by the police, other security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that vote-buying would be prevented.
He appealed to security agencies to intensify their operations and stop what he described as an act capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
“I want the security agencies to go all out, especially in some wards. Vote-buying will not help our democracy. It will not make our democracy thrive,” he said.
The SSG disclosed that he had contacted some security agencies over the alleged incidents and was awaiting their response.
He specifically cited Wards 3, 4 and 5 in Osogbo as areas where he had received reports of alleged vote-buying.
On reports of intimidation aimed at discouraging voters from coming out to cast their ballots, Igbalaye said there had been incidents in some locations but security agencies had responded to some of the complaints.
He mentioned an incident around Freedom Park and the railway area, where, according to reports available to him, some individuals were allegedly threatening residents and discouraging them from coming out to vote.
“I called the DSS, the police and the soldiers. I think they are there now and I think they are working on this,” he said.
He added that security agencies had also been alerted to other areas where intimidation and harassment were reportedly taking place, expressing satisfaction that they had been proactive in some instances.
On the overall security situation, Igbalaye said the election remained relatively peaceful, with intimidation and other security concerns largely under control.
“Generally, as of now, the election is still fair. It is above average in terms of intimidation and all this. The only problem we are facing now is the vote-buying,” he said.
Addressing the BVAS challenges, the SSG said he had personally experienced delays during the accreditation process earlier in the day.
He explained that while some polling units had recorded improvements, others were still experiencing difficulties with the biometric accreditation device.
The SSG also dismissed allegations of attempts by supporters of the Accord Party to manipulate the election, saying a political party enjoying popular support would have no reason to engage in electoral malpractice.
He expressed confidence in the chances of the Accord Party (AP) candidate and incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in the election.
“A political party that is popular with the people in an election has no reason to cut corners. We believe in ourselves and the people love Governor Ademola Adeleke, so we know we are going to win and the opportunity is with us,” he said.
