The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) has expressed concern over the recurrent problem of vote trading in the country’s elections, highlighted during the Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 2024.
The situation room observed widespread vote trading across the state, with voters and party agents openly engaging in the exchange of votes for cash, ranging from N10,000 to N20,000 in all 18 local government areas.
In a statement signed by Yunusa Z. Ya’u Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, called for urgent action to address this menace, urging stakeholders to collaborate and develop a strategy to combat the issue, including through comprehensive electoral reforms.
“The menace of vote trading continues to raise its ugly head in our election,” the Situation Room statement reads.
“Voters and different party agents were observed trading votes openly across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
“Situation Room calls on stakeholders to work together to develop a suitable strategy, including reforms, to deal decisively with this menace.”
While the 2024 Ondo State election saw improvements in several areas, including the professionalism of security agents and the timely deployment of election materials, the issue of vote buying marred the overall success.
Situation Room emphasized that political parties’ lack of commitment to a competitive electioneering process was another significant drawback.
The situation room also noted a disturbingly low voter turnout of approximately 29%, compared to 2020, despite the distribution of additional Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“This shows a high level of voter apathy,” the statement noted, calling for efforts to reignite citizen interest and participation in elections.
Furthermore, while the election’s overall conduct was generally hitch-free, there was a notable gap in support for voters with disabilities.
Situation Room urged INEC to provide the necessary support and assistive devices to enable these voters to exercise their civic duties independently.
The Situation Room also reiterated its call for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to address electoral offences effectively and recommended further amendments to the Constitution and Electoral Act to ensure pre-election matters are settled ahead of elections.
The organization also concluded that it will continue to advocate for electoral accountability, urging stakeholders to work towards ensuring consistent improvements in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
The statement reads in parts, “The Ondo State Governorship election 2024 was generally peaceful with voters conducting themselves calmly at the polling units.
“The conduct of this Governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was a great improvement from recently conducted off-cycle Governorship elections in the country.
“Also, reports from Situation Room observers and member organisations indicate that security agents conducted themselves professionally throughout the campaign. period and the election.
“Despite these gains, the level of vote buying, as in recent elections, and a general lack of commitment to a competitive electioneering process by the political parties, were the drawbacks in this election. Situation Room is therefore calling for an Electoral reform that can urgently address these issues.”
The Situation Room is made up of civil society organisations (CSOs) working in support of credible elections and governance in Nigeria.
