Allegations of vote trading overshadowed the electoral process at two polling units in the Akure Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday. When PUNCH Online visited the area, irregularities were reported at Ward 02, Polling Unit 3 in Eruoba, and Polling Unit 17 in Egbedi Ward 11, Owode Imuagun.
Both polling units are located within the Arakale Market Area. At Eruoba Ward, voters were reportedly paid an undisclosed sum of money by a man assigned to the task after casting their votes.
At Owode Imuagun, the process took a different form. Voters were observed writing their names down after voting and were subsequently directed to a nearby building where they allegedly received monetary compensation.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were seen patrolling the Arakale Road, monitoring the voting process. However, no arrests were made by the anti-corruption agency as of the time PUNCH Online left the scene.
These incidents raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in the region, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of electoral laws to prevent voter inducement and ensure free and fair elections.
