Vote-buying: In Ondo, democracy was up for sale
By John Eche
Nigerians from all walks of like are bothered over the expanding scourge of vote-buying in the country, insisting that it is giving the impression that Nigerian democracy is up for sale.
This much was gleaned from reactions to the governorship poll held in Ondo State at the weekend with many querying how come the practice was going on even in the full glare of security agents.
According to field reports, votes were being traded and bought in the just concluded polls in Ondo for between N1,000 and N7,000.
Clement Nwankwo of the Civil Society Situation Room and Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa confirmed that the incidence in the contest in Ondo was indeed widespread and alarming.
Indeed, so displeased are many over the recurring challenge that they insist that if it is left unchecked, it could have very negative effects of the overall democratic process.
It now remains to be seen what the situation would be in other forthcoming elections, including that of the Lagos East Senatorial District and the governorship contest in the South Eastern State of Anambra.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
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