Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ondo State’s governorship election, has raised concerns about potential manipulation in the voting process after casting his vote at Apoi Ward 11, Unit 004 in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.
Ajayi, who experienced a 10-minute delay due to technical issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), expressed his frustration with the electoral process. He believes the system has been compromised, suggesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is failing to conduct a fair and transparent election.
“The system has been compromised. It’s unfortunate that INEC can’t run a proper election in one state,” Ajayi said, signaling his doubts about the integrity of the process. His concerns extend beyond technical glitches, as he questioned the impartiality of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Barrister Olatoyin Babalola.
“We’ve repeatedly said that we don’t trust Barrister Olatoyin Babalola; she can’t be fair,” Ajayi continued, adding, “I believe there is deliberate interference from INEC and the REC. We’ve received numerous complaints about vote buying across the state. It’s a disgrace.”
Reports from across the state have indicated troubling signs of electoral malpractice, including allegations of vote-buying. In one instance, footage showed members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) distributing money to voters in exchange for support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Voters were reportedly offered N3000 to vote for the APC, though when confronted, those involved denied the accusations and fled the scene.
Ajayi’s comments align with complaints from his party, which has highlighted similar irregularities in various parts of the state, including at polling units in Irele Local Government Area, where some political agents were seen distributing signed slips to voters as a form of vote-buying.
Despite these concerns, both Ajayi and Aiyedatiwa cast their votes early on Election Day, with the APC candidate voting at Igbo Ward 4 in Ilaje Local Government Area. However, Ajayi’s dissatisfaction with the electoral process remains clear, and he called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, urging Nigerians to demand a more credible and transparent election process.
