Massive Vote-Buying in Bayelsa Gubernatorial Election Raises Concerns

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In a significant development during the Bayelsa gubernatorial election on Saturday, voters reported widespread vote-buying, with amounts ranging from N12,000 to N40,000. Governor Duoye Diri of the PDP and his main opponent, Timipre Sylva of the APC, engaged in accusations and counter-accusations of violence, while Labour Party (LP) candidate Udengs Eradiri expressed his disappointment with the prevalent vote-buying culture.

Eradiri, who declined offers from voters approaching him for negotiation, stated, “My greatest disappointment was with a woman from this community whom I offered a scholarship to her son; she sold her vote for N14,000, and I was disappointed.”

Meanwhile, Sylva accused security agents, especially the army, of collaborating with the PDP to rig the election. Despite these concerns, he expressed confidence in his party’s victory, acknowledging improvements by INEC but noting the need for continued enhancement.

Governor Diri, on the other hand, accused Sylva and the APC of aiding an attack on PDP members in Nembe-Basambiri. He commended INEC for improvements in facilities and personnel training but raised concerns about the exclusion of party members and agents in Nembe-Basambiri.

In some areas, suspected armed thugs disrupted the electoral process, hijacking materials and intimidating voters. The incidents occurred in Southern Ijaw and Sagbama local government areas, with reports of shots fired and destruction of election materials. Despite these challenges, attempts to resist the armed thugs were made, highlighting voters’ determination and security measures in place.

The Bayelsa gubernatorial election witnessed a mix of political activities, security concerns, and the pressing issue of vote-buying, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.