Story Summary:
- Political Parties Accused of Voter Inducement: Yiaga Africa has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of offering cash, gifts, and food to voters ahead of the Edo governorship election.
- Yiaga Africa’s Findings: The civil society organisation’s Long Term Observers documented instances of voter inducement in Uselu Market, Amiebonkhian, and Ubiaja, primarily targeting women.
- Insecurity Concerns: Rising insecurity, including kidnappings and cult activities in Edo State, poses a threat to the peaceful conduct of the election, with Yiaga Africa calling for urgent security interventions.
Ahead of next Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, civil society group Yiaga Africa has accused political parties of bribing eligible voters during campaign tours.
At a press briefing in Benin City, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes for Yiaga Africa, it was alleged that women were primarily targeted in these inducement schemes, which took place in Uselu Market (Egor LGA), Amiebonkhian (Esan North East), and Ubiaja (Esan South East).
Mbamalu accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of offering cash, gifts, and food to sway voters. She highlighted how PDP campaigners distributed wrappers to women in Esan North East and gave out shirts, caps, and N2000 to shop owners in Esan South East.
Yiaga Africa’s 25 Long Term Observers documented these actions, raising concerns over the election’s credibility. Mbamalu also pointed to rising insecurity in the state, urging security agencies to prosecute those responsible for voter inducement and violence.
Additionally, she called on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to convene a security meeting to address grievances from political stakeholders.
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