CDD: There were attempts to suppress voters during Ondo election

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) says there were “brazen” attempts to suppress voters during Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo state.

In its preliminary report, the organisation said the poll was marred by massive vote buying.

The report was signed by Victor Adetula and Dauda Garuba, lead of the CDD observation mission for the election, and CDD director, respectively.

The CDD said voters at some polling units were not allowed to cast their ballots due to glitches in the accreditation process.

“We also note extensive instances of voters marking ballots, agents distributing money, and brazen attempts to suppress voters in certain parts of the state,” the report reads.

“Perhaps most worryingly, a large number of our observers note low voter turnout and polling units being able to close early.”

The CDD noted that in most polling centres, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began setting up before 8:30 am.

The organisation said there was at least one bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) in all the polling units observed.

“Observers reported some challenges with the BVAS, but overall, most of the challenges were effectively dealt with in less than 30 minutes,” the centre said.

The CDD said security officials contributed to crowd control; however, “minimal efforts were made to prevent vote buying and open campaigning at the polling units”.

“The CDD-EAC notes with concern that, despite the efforts of different agencies and groups during the elections, there were observed breaches of electoral procedures during the polls,” it said.

“These incidents reiterate the worries shared prior to the election about the intent of some actors in compromising the integrity of the poll.

“CDD-EAC notes that 8.8% of our observers saw canvassing for votes near the polling unit, including the presence of campaign posters, people soliciting for votes, wearing of materials with party logos and materials, as well as some agents actively buying votes.

“CDD-EAC notes a lot of instances of vote buying. Vote buying and other forms of inducement were prevalent from the start of the poll.”

On disinformation and misinformation, the organisation said the number of false narratives, claims, and counterclaims in the election was “relatively low” when compared to other recent polls.

“In the campaign period and on Election Day, 13 claims have so far been reported and fact-checked by the CDD War Room,” the centre said.

“This is low when compared to the 61 claims reported during the same period in the Edo election, representing a 79% increase between the two elections.

“While 12 of these claims have been assessed to be either false or misleading, the sole claim peddled on voting day was adjudged to be true.”

CDD commended voters for the “calm and peaceful manner” they conducted themselves during the election.