Ibadan North Bye-Election: ADC Candidate, Akin-Alamu Alleges Vote Buying
•••Laments Over Voter Apathy In Ward 11
…As Adepoju, Oyedeji, Gbolarumi, Awoleye, Olojede , others laud electoral process
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, Dr Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, raised serious allegations regarding large-scale vote buying in some polling units during the conduct of Saturday’s bye- election in the constituency
Dexter Akin-Alamu who made the allegation after casting his vote at Ward 11, polling unit 38, University of Ibadan
also lamented over voter apathy in his ward.
He claimed that from the numerous reports at his disposal, voters were approached with offers of money and other incentives in exchange for their votes during the election.
Akin-Alamu contended that such practices fundamentally undermines the integrity of the electoral process and the principles of democracy.
He stated that when voters are swayed by financial inducements, the true will of the people is obscured, leading to a loss of public trust in democratic institutions.
He further highlighted that the widespread occurrence of vote buying reflects a troubling trend in the political arena, where unethical tactics are employed to secure victory.
The ADC candidate commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the timely arrival of election materials.
He acknowledged that the efficiency helped facilitate the electoral process, allowing for a smoother operation on the voting exercise.
Akin-Alamu also raised concerns over low voter turnout during the election, expressing disappointment that many residents did not participate, which he believes diminishes the overall effectiveness of the democratic process.
He said, “From reports reaching us, the situation remains calm. That said, there are two major concerns. First, the issue of voter apathy remains evident, as many people are not coming out to vote.
“I arrived at my polling unit around 1 p.m. and was only the fourth person to vote, which is very low. Second, vote buying has become a major issue. Unlike before when such acts were done discreetly, it is now being carried out openly, even around security operatives, without anyone questioning it.
“Specifically, reports and videos confirm incidents of vote buying at Polling Units 1, 4, 7, 8, and 12. This is disturbing because it shows that for some political parties, impoverishing the people is part of their election strategy. They keep citizens hungry, then hand out money or items during elections in exchange for votes. Unfortunately, this tactic works more in non-elite areas than in elite areas where such inducements are rejected.
“On INEC’s performance, I still have some concerns about the timing of elections being rushed within weeks despite over a year of preparation. However, unlike in the past, many materials arrived early this time, which is commendable. Yes, there are unconfirmed reports of a few polling units without materials, but overall, INEC has done fairly well. Still, the issue of vote buying must be addressed if we are to improve our democracy.” He said.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus members at the federal house of representatives from Oyo state have expressed their satisfaction over the conduct of the bye- election by all stakeholders
The federal representatives members who were on ground as the party’s election supervisors when speaking with newsmen that monitored the exercise at Agbowo/UI area in Ibadan North lauded the process.
The federal lawmakers, Hon. Shina Oyedeji (Member representing Itesiwaju, Kajola, and Iwajowa Federal Constituency) and Hon. Adebayo Adepoju (Member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency) commended all the stakeholders’ conduct in the election, describing the exercise as hitch- free.
Hon Shina Oyedeji flanked by the Former Deputy Governor of the state, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi and Hon Adebayo Adepoju said, “So far, so good. We have visited many polling units and everywhere has been peaceful. There are no clashes, no noise, and security agencies are doing their jobs effectively.
“INEC officials have also been prompt. At least in areas like Bashorun, Bodija, and now here in Agbowo, the process has been smooth, and we are expecting good results.” Oyedeji said.
In his own remarks over the election, Hon Adebayo Adepoju said, “At this stage, it is still early to make conclusive remarks because elections are very dynamic. However, from what I have seen so far, the process has been peaceful. People are genuinely excited to finally have a representative again after over a year.
“We look forward to the outcome and hope for a better Oyo State.” Adepoju stated.
Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi PDP Supervisor for the poll also noted that the turnout was impressive.
He said, “The turnout has been impressive so far. People have come out, within their capacity, to exercise their civic responsibility.
“My message is one of appreciation to INEC, who have done well today, and to security agencies who have maintained order.”
Mr Victor Olojede, the Senior Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Students’ Affairs, while speaking with journalists at one of the polling units located inside the University of Ibadan said, “In the student environment, where we have about 22 to 25 polling units within the University of Ibadan and 3 to 4 in the staff quarters at Abadina, the turnout has been impressive.
“Despite the fact that students are on mid-semester break, our students are on holiday, but some of them still came out to vote.
“The process has been peaceful with no reports of violence. However, there was an attempt by some parties to use security agents to intimidate residents of Abadina College, but we were able to stop them. Generally, the atmosphere remains calm.” Victor said.
