The Yiaga Africa says politicians have commenced vote-buying for Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections.
It said this in its preliminary report on the conduct of the governorship and assembly elections, with support from the European Union through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN).
The report, jointly presented in Abuja by the Yiaga Africa Board member, Ezenwa Nwagwu and the Director of Programs Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said: “Yiaga Africa has received reports of voter inducements through the distribution of gift items and wire (money) transfers by the political actors.
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“Specifically, Yiaga Africa received reports of the distribution of money and food items by supporters of the APC in Mbakyaa Mbachougul, Tarka LGA, Benue State.
“The APC and PDP representatives were seen collecting voters’ bank account details in Damaturu and Potiskum LGAs in Yobe State, to make wire transfers ahead of the elections. From Akwa Ibom, Yiaga Africa also received reports that the PDP youths in Ibeno LGA were given a cash inducement of N1m after they had endorsed a candidate on Sunday, March 12, 2023.”