Julius OkorieAs votes are being collated and eventual winner of Ondo Election is being awaited, there are indications that the perennial virus of vote buying cannot be eliminated from the Nigerian electoral system.
An elderly woman, who voted and confirmed that voting was peaceful without hitches, equally confirmed that they collected money to vote. “We have voted and we collected money” she said innocently even as some younger ones around her attempted to hush her over confirmation of monetary inducement.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAlthough she did not mention who gave money and what party was voted for as a result of the greased palms, in her chat with Arise television at the Igbatako, Okitipupa area, she nonetheless begged whoever emerges to address rising cost of living and make provision for the elderly in the state so that they can be able to feed.
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Meanwhile, incumbent Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said he would accept defeat if the governorship election did not favour him, provided the voting process remains peaceful and credible. Aiyedatiwa who is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) hailed conduct of INEC Staff and Security Agents in the course of the election so far. He expressed optimism that the election will be conducted peacefully adding that the state is known for peaceful conduct
“Apart from 1983 when we have a major crisis, since then, we still have been peaceful. We’ve learned our lessons. We comport ourselves. I want to also salute the youth, very, very obedient. I want to believe the whole exercise will be peaceful, transparent, credible and conclusive,” the Governor said.
Recall that Aiyedatiwa became acting governor On 13th December 2023, following the departure of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on medical leave. He had previously served as acting governor from June to September 2023 when Akeredolu was on medical leave.
He was eventually sworn in as Governor on 27th December 2023, following the death of Akeredolu.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
