By-Elections: ADC Candidate Akin-Alamu Decries Rampant Vote-Buying In Oyo
African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, on Saturday, raised alarm over widespread vote-buying, warning that the practice undermines democracy and weakens the credibility of the electoral process.
Speaking after casting his vote at Ward 11, Polling Unit 38, University of Ibadan, Akin-Alamu alleged that politicians were offering cash and other inducements to sway voters.
He maintained that such acts erode the principles of free and fair elections.
He, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the early arrival of voting materials, noting that it made the process smooth. Akin-Alamu also lamented the poor voter turnout, stressing that it diminishes democratic participation.
The election followed the death of Olaide Akinremi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, who passed away on July 10. Reports from various polling units showed INEC officials arrived early, but turnout remained low.
At Bodija Ward 10, Unit 26, and Ward 5, Unit 19, INEC staff were already on ground before 8:30 a.m., but only a handful of voters were present.
An INEC official, Omolara Gbamigbade, said, “We are 100 per cent ready at Methodist Grammar School, Bodija, Ward 5, Unit 26. As you can see, we are setting up and waiting for voters. Their list will be pasted soon.”
Similarly, a PDP agent at the same location, Bolaji Abiona, confirmed that all arrangements were in place with security operatives on ground, but voters were slow to turn up for accreditation.
At Ward 10, Unit 27, Bodija Police Station, the first voter, Miss Oluwaseun Omisakin, arrived at 9:07 a.m. and completed the process in less than five minutes.
She expressed satisfaction with the process, saying, “I got to where the voters’ list was pasted and saw my name. I wasn’t even expecting it. The comportment of the INEC officials was excellent, especially how the BVAS officer handled a minor glitch. It showed they were prepared.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
