INEC not Responsible For vote-buying At Edo Election – Spokesman

INEC Shuns Blame for Vote-Buying in Edo Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from the widespread allegations of vote-buying that marred the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election. The electoral body’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated that vote-buying is a perennial issue linked to the actions of political parties and not INEC.

Oyekanmi emphasized that INEC’s role is to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections, and that the commission cannot be held responsible for the unscrupulous actions of political parties. “Vote-buying and alleged result manipulation are symptoms of a broader issue, where political parties resort to underhanded tactics to gain an unfair advantage,” he said.

The election was marked by allegations of voter manipulation, vote-buying, and irregularities, with election observers and civil society organizations condemning the process. The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, reported that political parties bribed voters with amounts ranging from N5,000 to N10,000, while the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, accused the APC of offering N10,000 to N20,000 to voters.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made several arrests in connection with vote-buying during the election. However, INEC has maintained that it has consistently worked to improve the credibility of elections and has implemented various recommendations from national and international observers.

Despite the allegations of irregularities, INEC declared Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate, winner of the election after securing 291,667 votes. He defeated Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who received 247,274 votes. The outcome of the election has been met with controversy, with some rejecting the results in certain local government areas.

Oyekanmi urged political parties and voters to play their expected roles in promoting a credible electoral process. “It is time for all stakeholders to work together to stop the menace of vote-buying and ensure that our elections are free and fair,” he said.