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Ondo State, Nigeria – A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olaniyi Ogungbiji, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of widespread vote-buying during the recently concluded 2024 Ondo State governorship election.
Speaking with SaharaReporters at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation center on Sunday, Ogungbiji alleged that the electoral process was compromised by financial inducements, undermining the credibility of the exercise.
“The process was not free or fair. The APC leveraged monetary incentives to sway voters,” he said, describing the practice as a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria.
Ogungbiji lamented the role poverty played in influencing voter behavior. “The electorate know what they want to do, but at the point of casting their votes and in the face of poverty and money, they went the other way around,” he said.
He further criticized the trend of financial inducement as dangerous for the future of politics in Nigeria. “If this is the future of elections in Nigeria, then we are doomed. It’s not democracy if it’s all about inducing the electorate to vote,” Ogungbiji warned.
When questioned why voters supported the APC despite the economic challenges in the state, Ogungbiji attributed it to the ruling party’s financial influence. “With the APC, just come to the polling booth on election day, bring your money, and you’re good to go. It’s a dangerous precedent,” he said.
Ogungbiji claimed that the APC deployed approximately ₦35 billion to influence voters, a figure he said dwarfed the PDP’s campaign resources. “We went to the nooks and crannies of the state to appeal to voters. People assured us of their support, but money changed the game on election day,” he alleged.
He also raised concerns about alleged electoral malpractice in specific areas, particularly Ofosu-Onisere ward. “There was no election there. Polling officers were forced to fabricate results. Despite raising these issues, no action was taken,” Ogungbiji said.
The PDP agent concluded by reiterating his fears for the nation’s democratic future. “If inducing voters is the path forward, Nigeria is heading nowhere,” he added.
The 2024 Ondo State governorship election has been the subject of controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the process while the APC celebrates its victory. INEC is yet to officially respond to the allegations.
