A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) has raised concerns over voter inducement during the September 21 Edo State governorship election.
The group revealed that there were widespread instances of vote buying and selling across several polling units, despite the heavy presence of security personnel.
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In a statement co-signed by Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Mimidoo Achakpa, and Franklin Oloniju, the Situation Room reported that votes were purchased for amounts ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 in multiple locations, including PU08 and PU09, Ward 2 in Owan-East LGA; PU02, Ward 2 in Etsako-West LGA; as well as polling units in Egor, Oredo, and Owan-West LGAs.
Additionally, some voters were reportedly induced with food items, such as bread.
The CSOs also acknowledged the arrest of two individuals allegedly involved in vote trading at George Idah Primary School, Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area.
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Despite these concerns, the Situation Room praised the overall peaceful conduct of voters and encouraged them to maintain calm throughout the electoral process.
The coalition comprises various CSOs, including Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), CLEEN Foundation, Action Aid Nigeria, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), YIAGA Africa, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), and several others dedicated to monitoring and ensuring transparency in the election process.
