Ondo 2024: Yiaga Africa Warns Against Voter Inducement as Peace Accord Signed by Political Parties

Our reporter

Ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Yiaga Africa, a leading civil society organisation, has issued a warning over alleged attempts by political parties and candidates to influence voters through monetary and material incentives.

The organisation raised concerns that parties were providing cash, food items, and farming supplies to communities in several local government areas, including Akure South, Owo, and Ese-Odo, as part of campaign activities.

Safiya Bichi, Head of Knowledge, Management and Learning at Yiaga Africa, presented these findings in a pre-election report at a peace accord ceremony in Akure on Friday.

The event saw various political actors commit to peaceful campaigning and election processes. Bichi stressed the need for all parties to maintain integrity in the electoral process, stating, “The use of inducements compromises the democratic choice of the electorate and threatens the credibility of the elections.”

 Yiaga Africa’s report detailed cases where community leaders reportedly received items like fertilizers, rice, and maize for distribution, particularly from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Voter turnout, according to Yiaga’s data, has historically remained low in Ondo State, not exceeding 40% since 2011, with Ondo North consistently showing the highest turnout despite Ondo Central having the most registered voters.

In response, APC’s Publicity Secretary in Ondo State, Alex Kalejaiye, denied any involvement in voter inducement, describing Yiaga Africa’s claims as “unfounded” and stating that the party’s popularity in the state spoke for itself. “Our goal is to engage and convince voters through genuine interaction, not inducement,” Kalejaiye added.

Meanwhile, former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, addressed the gathering at the peace accord signing, urging candidates and voters alike to reject vote-buying and focus on preserving democratic integrity.

He encouraged Ondo residents to come out en masse to vote and reminded them that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the constitutional mandate to declare election results. Abubakar warned politicians against making inflammatory remarks after the results, to avoid potential unrest.

Sixteen governorship candidates signed the peace accord, committing to a violence-free election. Speaking on behalf of all the candidates, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also the APC candidate, assured the public of a peaceful election process, pledging, “We, the candidates, are determined to ensure that peace prevails before, during, and after the election.”

The peace accord signing underscored the commitment of all parties to ensure a credible and transparent election, with the National Peace Committee expressing hope for a model democratic process in Ondo State.