#OndoDecides2024: “The BVAS devices are not working… Security personnel are intimidating voters” – PDP Governorship Candidate, Ajayi

The governorship election in Ondo State witnessed another significant moment today as Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, cast his vote at Polling Unit 004, Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, in the Ese-Odo Local Government Area. However, Ajayi voiced strong dissatisfaction with the electoral process, describing it as “shameful.”

Ajayi criticized the delays during the voting process and raised concerns about the credibility of the election. “The BVAS devices are not working, and there are issues with the entire exercise,” he said, referring to the malfunctioning Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines. He also claimed that the election was being compromised, highlighting alleged cases of vote-buying and undue influence.

The PDP candidate further expressed concern over the proximity of military personnel to his polling unit. He stated that the security officers were positioned too close to voters, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. “The distance between voters and military officers is uncomfortably close, which could discourage people from voting freely,” he added.

Ajayi also made a call for action, urging Nigerians to demand the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, over what he described as a flawed election process. He emphasized that the federal government was using security forces to intimidate voters, hindering the potential for a free and fair election.

Meanwhile, reports from SaharaReporters have highlighted ongoing concerns over vote-buying in parts of the state, particularly in Irele Local Government Area. At Polling Unit 007, Ajagba Ward 2, political party agents were seen distributing signed papers to voters, which they claimed would be used to collect cash after voting. Some voters admitted they were unaware of the exact amounts they would receive, raising further concerns over the integrity of the election.

Earlier in the day, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), cast his vote at his polling unit in Igbo Ward 4, Obenla community, Ilaje Local Government Area. Aiyedatiwa, who is seeking re-election, arrived at 8:46 am and completed his voting process by 8:48 am, accompanied by his security aides.