Edo Governorship Poll: APC, PDP, LP Mobilise Funds Amid Vote-Buying Concerns

With the Edo State governorship election fast approaching, political parties are reportedly gearing up to outspend one another, raising alarms over potential vote-buying strategies. The leading parties—the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP)—are said to be accumulating large sums of money to influence voters in a contest that could see a record high in vote-buying incidents.

Reports indicate that the going rate for a vote could reach as high as ₦20,000. There are also claims that party agents are attempting to purchase voter cards, though the intended use of the cards remains unclear. Authorities like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are expected to be deployed during the election to mitigate such practices.

A source expressed concern over the growing trend of transactional politics, stating that voters accepting money or gifts from political parties weaken their ability to demand accountability from elected officials. “They will not have the moral justification to question the government if it fails to deliver developmental projects,” the source added.

Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, has documented instances of voter inducement by both the PDP and APC in the form of cash and gifts distributed during campaigns. They cited multiple cases where voters were offered between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000, as well as gifts like wrappers and branded items, to sway their decisions.

Despite warnings from election authorities, vote-buying remains a pressing issue. Both the EFCC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have vowed to crack down on this electoral malpractice, with INEC urging political parties to respect the peace accord signed in the run-up to the polls.

Meanwhile, the political parties have begun trading accusations. PDP officials allege that the APC is preparing for vote-buying and has engaged in intimidation tactics, while the APC counters that the PDP is the party known for rigging elections. The Labour Party, on the other hand, distanced itself from any vote-buying schemes, accusing the two major parties of being involved in such practices.

Governor Godwin Obaseki has raised additional concerns, accusing INEC and the APC of plotting to delay the election in an attempt to destabilise the process. Despite these challenges, he affirmed that his party is ready for a long struggle to secure victory.