The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made several arrests in connection with alleged vote buying during the Edo governorship election, as the EFCC and police operatives apprehended three suspects—two males and a female—at a polling unit a the local government area.
The suspects were visibly taken away by the authorities, highlighting ongoing concerns about electoral integrity.
Vote buying, a practice where candidates hand out money to voters or induce them to cast ballots in a particular direction, has become increasingly common in Nigeria during elections.
Ahead of the Edo election, Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation, warned that politicians might resort to both violence and vote buying tactics.
Egor was identified as one of eight local government areas (LGAs) considered hotspots for such activities, alongside Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Esan South-East.
Yiaga emphasised the urgent need for decisive action to combat vote buying, advocating for the arrest and prosecution of both buyers and sellers.
The organisation also noted a “volatile political climate” surrounding the election, indicating that strong-arm tactics and violence had marred campaign activities. As the election unfolds, it remains crucial for law enforcement to uphold electoral integrity and protect the democratic process.
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