Edo Poll: Police arrest ‘Fake Journalist,’ political thugs, while CSOs report widespread vote buying
Story by Jane AISO
The Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024, witnessed significant developments as the Nigeria Police Force arrested a “fake journalist” and several political thugs, while Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) reported widespread voter inducement across polling units.
Police Crackdown on Election Offenders
During the election, the Nigeria Police Force apprehended a man posing as a journalist from one of Nigeria’s leading television stations. The arrest was part of a larger police operation that also led to the capture of two key suspects believed to be affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The suspects, Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), were apprehended in Ufunama community, Ovia Southwest Local Government Area. According to a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the arrests took place in Ekpoma at a guest house where a large sum of cash, pre-filled ballot papers, and fake identification cards were found.
The suspects were linked to a broader criminal network allegedly orchestrated by individuals known as “Atiku” and “the boss.” These individuals were part of a detailed operation aimed at disrupting the electoral process.
Weapons and Intimidation Plans Uncovered
In addition to the arrests in Ekpoma, police officers also detained six more suspects near Aibotse Secondary School, Auchi. The suspects, identified as Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat, Salihu Lukman, and Safianu Saratu, were found with weapons, large sums of money, and documents outlining a strategy to intimidate voters.
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Adejobi praised the operation, stating, “Our team’s meticulous planning and swift action have dealt a significant blow to those seeking to undermine and discredit the electoral process. We remain vigilant in ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election.”
Civil Society Organisations Report Rampant Vote Buying
While the police were busy addressing security concerns, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) known as the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) reported widespread instances of voter inducement. Despite the presence of security personnel, numerous reports of vote buying and selling emerged across various polling units.
In a statement co-signed by CSO representatives Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Mimidoo Achakpa, and Franklin Oloniju, it was revealed that the price of votes ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per voter in areas like Owan-East, Etsako-West, Egor, Oredo, and Owan-West Local Government Areas. In some instances, voters were bribed with food items, such as bread.
“Despite the large presence of security, vote buying was rampant,” the group noted. They also confirmed the arrest of two vote buyers at George Idah Primary School, Ward 2, Oredo LGA.
Call for Calm and Vigilance
The CSOs commended the peaceful conduct of voters and urged them to remain calm throughout the electoral process. The Situation Room coalition, which includes organisations like the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Action Aid Nigeria, CLEEN Foundation, and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), expressed their concern over the continued practice of vote buying in Nigerian elections.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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