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BVAS malfunction, vote buying mar Ondo governorship poll

Mustapha USMAN
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BVAS malfunction, vote buying mar Ondo governorship poll

THE Ondo State governorship election, held today, Saturday, November 16, has been marred by widespread reports of biometric voter accreditation system (BVAS) malfunctions and vote-buying in various polling units across the state.

Voters in several areas, including Okitipupa, and Ondo South, expressed frustration over delays caused by faulty BVAS. In some polling units, the devices failed to accredit voters promptly, leading to long queues and complaints about disenfranchisement. 

At Obe Nla in Ward 4, Ilaje LGA, Ondo South, The ICIR observed how BVAS malfunctions dampened the voting process. 

A community leader, who simply gave his name as Chief Afoworamo, commended the peaceful conduct of the election but expressed disappointment over the inability of some voters to complete accreditation. “Some individuals found their names on the INEC register but couldn’t be captured by the BVAS machine,” he lamented.

In Ondo West Local Government Area (LGA), voter inducement was captured in a video by The ICIR, showing individuals distributing money to voters at 18, Omolare Street, near Polling Units 06 and 05 in Ward 7. 

The ICIR gathered that voters were offered ₦5,000, though the political party involved could not be verified.

Election observers and journalists, who spoke on Arise Television’s Election Update raised alarms about how the combination of vote-buying and technical BVAS malfunctions undermined the election credibility.

The television also reported several other instances of BVAS failure, with some residents stating that the failure frustrated the election process.

Similarly, an elderly woman in Igbotako, Okitipupa LGA, while speaking with TVC News openly admitted that she collected money for the vote she cast.

Recall that the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, expressed dissatisfaction with the process.

Ajayi, who voted at Apoi Ward 11, Unit 004, in his hometown in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state, was reported to have faced BVAS glitches for several minutes before he could cast his vote.

He slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ‘failing’ to properly organise the election.

He cited widespread complaints about the late arrival of election materials and malfunctioning BVAS. 

The ICIR reports that INEC deployed 4,002 BVAS machines for the election.

Ondo poll: PDP candidate Ajayi votes, blasts INEC

Mustapha USMAN
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Ondo poll: PDP candidate Ajayi votes, blasts INEC

THE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, cast his vote in the ongoing governorship election on Saturday, November 16, but expressed dissatisfaction with the process.

Ajayi voted at Apoi Ward 11, unit 004, at RCM Idumado Quarters, Kiribo, in his hometown, in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state.

He slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ‘failing’ to properly organise the election.

He cited widespread complaints about the late arrival of election materials and malfunctioning biometric voter accreditation system (BVAS) machines. 

He also claimed that the election process was intentionally being sabotaged.

“All of us here have seen what’s going on. A lot of complaints here and there. If INEC cannot successfully organise an election in just one state, then you must know that you’re running into trouble,” Ajayi stated.

He added, “Even I, contesting in the election, had to wait up to 10 minutes before I could be allowed to cast my vote. A lot of women will go back to their houses out of frustration.”

Ajayi further accused the INEC and the resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, of deliberate attempts to disrupt the voting process.

“I think it’s deliberate on the part of INEC and REC. We have said severally that we don’t trust Oluwatoyin Babalola. This woman cannot be fair. I’ve made a series of calls today, and people are complaining about vote-buying, and BVAS machines are not working. Even if they were rigging tools for them, they’re not even working.”

The PDP candidate then called for the resignation of the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, accusing him of being compromised.

“I think Nigerians should just call on the INEC chairman to resign. If he can’t do the job, he should honourably resign. This is embarrassing. He’s totally compromised and it’s very sad.”

The PDP had asked for the redeployment of the INEC REC in Ondo following an allegation by the governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde, that she was an indigene of Ondo.

In a petition to the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, the PDP argued that even if it is true that Babalola was not an indigene of Ondo State, her residency in the state for over thirty years disqualified her from serving as the election umpire for the poll.

“A diligent check on the background of the REC would have revealed to you that not only did she grow up in Ondo State, but that she currently also lives in her parents’ house which is No. 3, Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka Area, Akure town, the state capital,” part of the petition reads.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, October 15, INEC described the allegation as false.

“Our attention has been drawn to an allegation made by the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, at his party’s campaign rally held today in Akure in which he called on the INEC chairman to remove the resident electoral commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Toyin Babalola, because she is from Ondo State.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State in line with the commission’s policy not to deploy a REC to his or her state of origin.

“In 2020, ahead of the last governorship election in the same state, he accused a senior official of the commission of working with the vice-chancellor of a federal university to undermine the election. The allegation was untrue.

“We appeal to holders of high public office, such as Governor Makinde, to verify their information before making these serial, unfounded allegations.”

The ICIR reported that the incumbent Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) voted in his hometown in Obe Nla in Ilaje Local Government Area and expressed satisfaction with the process.

SSS arrests alleged vote-buyer with 2 ‘Ghana must go’ bags containing cash in Ondo

Mustapha USMAN
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SSS arrests alleged vote-buyer with 2 ‘Ghana must go’ bags containing cash in Ondo

THE State Security Services (SSS) has arrested a man suspected of vote-buying during the ongoing Ondo governorship election. 

The suspect was apprehended at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, near St. Stephen’s Primary School in Akure, Ondo State, around 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 16.

A video shared by Channels Television captured the moment when the suspect’s car was searched, revealing two large ‘Ghana must go’ bags filled with cash, allegedly meant to induce voters. A machete was also discovered in the car’s trunk.

The ICIR observed that the arrest followed a heated altercation between the suspect and some individuals at the polling unit before the SSS operatives intervened and instructed the suspect to open his car trunk.

Upon discovery of the two bags, the suspect was immediately detained and escorted to an SSS vehicle.

The viral footage of the incident has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the alleged attempt to influence the electoral process.

The ICIR reports that vote-buying remains a persistent issue in Nigerian elections, with various incidents reported in past polls. 

The ICIR reported multiple cases of vote buying in Ekiti and Osun elections.

In a recent event in Edo state, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) said it observed widespread vote buying during the State governorship election held on Saturday, September 21.

In a statement signed by the NCSSR conveners, Yunusa Ya’u, Mimidoo Achakpa, and Franklin Oloniju, the group said despite the huge presence of security personnel, observers reported widespread instances of vote buying and selling across several polling units.

It stated that the price of votes ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per voter in several locations, including PU 08 and 09 Ward 2, Owan-East Local Government Area (LGA); PU 02 Ward 2, Etsako-West LGA; and several polling units in Egor, Oredo and Owan-West LGAs.

According to NCSSR, in some cases, voters were also induced with foods, including bread.

Politicians urged to respect electoral process in Ondo

Harrison EDEH
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Politicians urged to respect electoral process in Ondo

AS the Ondo State governorship election gets underway today, Saturday, November 16, stakeholders have urged politicians to respect the process and allow the people’s will to prevail.

They argued that Nigeria’s electoral system would not attain high standards if politicians behaved rascally and flouted the law.

“Our political class need to reform their mindset on how they approach elections. It’s not helping our electoral system development, “a right advocate with many years of election observation experience, Cynthia Mbamalu, said while commenting on the Ondo poll.

She said in most cases, “If politicians don’t want to see success, they always find a way to circumvent the electoral law.

“Most politicians are still rascally in the way they engage the electoral process and that’s not helping our progress in electoral reforms,” she stressed.

Also speaking on the poll, public accountability and democratic reforms advocate, Ezenwa Nwagwu, said most Nigerian political elites always found ways to circumvent the electoral law to suit them.

“If we have a political class that is alive to its responsibility, and not outsource its responsibility to the media, we’ll be making appreciable progress in our electoral reforms processes,” he added.

The Ondo State Governorship election started on Saturday with a heavy security presence consisting of personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), who manned strategic points across the state.

Armed security personnel, including the military, were seen by The ICIR reporters in the state at strategic points such as the entrance into Akure, the state capital, major towns, local government secretariats as well as on major roads in the state.

Officers of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Correction Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were also seen at the various polling units.

A total of 1,757,205 voters who collected permanent voter’s cards are expected to cast their ballots in the 3,933 polling units across the 203 wards in the state’s 18 LGAs.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 18 political parties are featuring candidates in the poll. However, The ICIR reported that three candidates withdrew from the race.

The leading contenders in the poll are the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

Ondo poll: INEC, voters ready in Igbotako, accreditation, voting underway

Harrison EDEH
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Ondo poll: INEC, voters ready in Igbotako, accreditation, voting underway

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arrived on time at most polling units in Igbotako, Ondo South senatorial district of Ondo State, the ICIR observed on Saturday, November 16, as the governorship election is held in the state.

The ICIR reports that four police officers were seen coordinating voters for accreditation and voting in a queue at polling unit 006.

Voting commenced at the polling unit at exactly 8:30 am.

The ICIR reporter on the ground in the area reports that most voters are determined to make their voices heard by electing the governor who will lead the state in the next four years as they vowed to protect their votes and make them count.

“We are here early to ensure our vote count and we know the importance of this election when it comes to good governance,” an enthusiastic voter said.

When filing this report, only four agents out of  17 political parties billed for the state governorship poll were at the polling unit.

Notably, 1,757,205 voters who collected permanent voter’s cards are expected to cast their ballots in the 3,933 polling units across the 203 wards in the state’s 18 local government areas.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 18 political parties are featuring candidates in the poll.

However, The ICIR reported that three candidates withdrew from the race.

The leading contenders in the poll are the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

INEC replaces Ondo LP governorship candidate sacked by Appeal Court

Mustapha USMAN
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INEC replaces Ondo LP governorship candidate sacked by Appeal Court

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has replaced Olusola Ebiseni, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election following a Court of Appeal ruling that sacked him on Thursday, November 14.

In a statement issued Friday night, INEC disclosed that it was served with the certified true copy (CTC) of the appellate court’s ruling, which set aside the Federal High Court ruling affirming Ebiseni’s candidacy. 

The earlier decision by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, had ordered the commission to recognise Ebiseni as the LP candidate.  

The presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, ordered INEC to accept Ebiseni and his running mate Ezekiel Awude as the candidates of the LP for the positions of governor and deputy governor in the Ondo State governorship election.

Nwite affirmed that the LP’s second primary election, which resulted in Ebiseni and Awude as the candidates for governor and deputy governor, was legitimate and ought to be recognised by INEC.

However, the Labour Party appealed the ruling, citing jurisdictional errors. The Court of Appeal, in judgment reference number CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024, found merit in the appeal and struck out the Federal High Court’s judgment for lack of jurisdiction.  

The three-member panel of justices led by Hamma Barka, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Adebukola Banjoko on Thursday, November 14, held that the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 brought by the LP against Ebiseni and two others be allowed.

Banjoko further stated that the parties to the appeal would have immediate access to the certified true copy of the ruling for their perusal.

In his contributing judgment, Abba Mohammed concurred with the other justices’ ruling.

In compliance with the appellate court’s directive, INEC stressed that it reinstated Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as the LP candidate for the election, held today Saturday, November 16. 

“The commission was yesterday 14th November 2024 served with the certified true copy (CTC) of the judgment of the Court of Appeal which set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja Division. The FHC, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024 had on 27th September 2024 ordered the commission to accept Olusola Ebiseni as the candidate of the Labour Party for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.

“However, in the appeal with reference number CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 filed by the Labour Party, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division struck out the judgment of the FHC for lack of jurisdiction.

“In obedience to the court order, the commission has restored Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus, whose name was first published as the Labour Party candidate for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election and uploaded same to our website for public information,” the statement said.

The ICIR reports that 1,757,205 registered voters with permanent voter cards (PVCs) are eligible to participate in the election, which is being conducted across 3,933 polling units in the state’s 18 local government areas. 

The Ondo governorship election was initially contested by 18 candidates, but three withdrew from the race. However, the race is primarily seen as a fierce contest between the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi. Both candidates hail from the southern senatorial district of the state.

No life jackets, safety measures as large crowd vote in Ondo riverine areas

Bankole ABE
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No life jackets, safety measures as large crowd vote in Ondo riverine areas

AS the Ondo State governorship election is held today Saturday, November 16, The ICIR observed a lack of life jackets and other safety measures at the Igbonla Waterfront in Ilaje Local Government Area.

A large crowd of young and old adults, including children were seen boarding canoes at the waterfront without any life jackets and safety information from people paddling the canoes.

The waterfront leads to other riverine areas like Obe Nla, Obeji, Obearelewo, Obefela, Oberewoye and Obeagun.

According to a resident, Katode Otunwi, most of the adults are voters going to polling units in several communities in the area to cast their ballots.

The incumbent governor of the state and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lucky Ayedatiwa, is from one of the communities – Obe-Nla.

The ICIR reported that Ayedatiwa voted in Obe-Nla around 9 am. He is seeking his first election as governor, after he succeeded the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, after a prolonged illness.

Ayedatiwa was Akeredolu’s deputy from 2021 until the Owo-born governor passed on.

A total of 1,757,205 voters who collected permanent voter’s card are expected to cast their ballots in the 3,933 polling units across the 203 Wards in the 18 local government areas of the state.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 18 political parties are featuring candidates. However, The ICIR reported that three candidates withdrew from the race.

The Appeal Court also sacked the Labour Party candidate in the election, Olusola Ebiseni, on Thursday, November 14.

The leading contenders in the poll are Aiyedatiwa and the former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

They are both from the southern senatorial region of the state.

The ICIR reports that Agboola was deputy to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu between 2017 and 2021 before an unresolved feud pushed the late governor to pick Ayedatiwa as his deputy during his 2020 re-election.

Aiyedatiwa votes in Obe Nla as governorship election holds in Ondo

Mustapha USMAN
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Aiyedatiwa votes in Obe Nla as governorship election holds in Ondo

GOVERNOR Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Ondo State governorship election, has cast his vote at his polling unit in Obe Nla, ward 4, Ilaje Local Government Area.

The governor arrived at the polling unit early on Saturday, November 16, accompanied by his aides and security personnel.

Addressing journalists after voting, Aiyedatiwa expressed satisfaction with the process and urged residents to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic duty.

Voting commenced promptly across several polling units in the area, with election officials arriving on time.

Accreditation and voting started around 8:30 a.m., following the guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ICIR reporters on the ground in the state also observed heavy security presence in the area.

Reports from other parts of the state so far indicate that materials were distributed promptly, and voter turnout has been impressive despite earlier concerns over potential security threats. 

The ICIR reports that 18 candidates initially contested the Ondo governorship election but three withdrew from the race.

However, the race is largely seen as a fierce contest between the incumbent Aiyedatiwa, and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi., a former deputy governor

Both candidates hail from the southern senatorial district of the state.

The INEC confirmed that 1,757,205 registered voters with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are eligible to participate in the election, conducted across 3,933 polling units in the state’s 18 local government areas. 

The commission has also emphasised its commitment to conducting a transparent and credible poll.

Aiyedatiwa’s bid for first time as governor

Aiyedatiwa is seeking election on the platform of the APC, after becoming the state governor in December 2023, following the death of his principal Akeredolu from protracted prostate cancer.

The poll is expected to close later in the afternoon, with vote counting to commence immediately at the polling units. 

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote, Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism that many of his supporters would turn out at the polls to cast their votes for his party, hoping that the ‘large turnout’ during the campaign would translate into votes.

Commenting on INEC’s conduct, Aiyedatiwa said election materials arrived early at his polling unit, adding that information available to him also indicated that election materials had reached other parts of the state.

“Information at my disposal revealed that other locations also have materials, at least those that have been brought to my knowledge but I can’t speak across the entire state yet.

“But as we progress, we will begin to see and get more information. From what I have seen here today, the INEC officials, I was told, arrived yesterday at the RAC centre and they started early.

“As you can see at past 9 am, I have cast my vote, and I am not the only one that has cast vote, some other eligible voters have cast their votes before I arrived.”

Ondo decides 2024: Election day live fact-checks

Editorial
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Ondo decides 2024: Election day live fact-checks

VOTERS in Ondo State elect their governor today, Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Our team of journalists, researchers, fact-checkers, social media monitors, editors, and OSINT experts are on the ground at the Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition’s (NFC) Election Situation Rooms located in Abuja and Lagos, to debunk election-related misinformation and disinformation content targeted at causing voter apathy, inciting violence or influencing the outcome of election in the state.

Read the pre-election day checks HERE

Do you have an election-related claim you want us to fact-check?

Reach the NFC via WhatsApp here.

This page is constantly being updated with verified checks. Kindly scroll downward to read them.

Claim 7

CLAIM: An X user claimed there were incidents of vote buying in Owo, Ondo state.

FINDINGS:  A report by BBC Pidgin confirmed the video was captured at Unit 016 Ahmadiyya Grammar School, Owo.

A Keyframe analysis on INVID also shows that the video is recent on the internet. The NFC spoke with Fidelis David, an observer for TheCable, who explained that the language spoken in the video is Owo dialect.

David who was in Owo early this morning said although he didn’t see when cash was exchanged physically, he noticed that voters were displaying their ticked ballot papers to some set of persons across the field. He said they were probably doing that for the money promised.

Also, Ayodele Oluwafemi, another TheCable observer in Kiribo Ese-Odo LGA told the NFC that while he could not see voters given cash physically, he observed that voters were given a piece of paper after they had voted which they’ll use to collect money later on.

VERDICT: CORRECT

SOURCES: Independent Observers, INVID, BBC Pidgin

Claim 6

CLAIM:  An X user, @Jersada94, claimed that the Ilaje local government has the second-highest number of voters in Ondo State.

THE FINDINGS: According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the latest upload of the voters’ register list for the Ondo gubernatorial election 2024, as seen on the website, shows that Akure has 314,709 registered voters, followed by Ilaje with 146,426 and Owo with 143,751, respectively.

VERDICT: CORRECT

SOURCE: INEC

Claim 5

CLAIM: An X user, @Naijassador, has claimed that 1.7 million registered voters will elect a new governor in today’s Ondo State election.

THE FINDINGS: According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 2,053,061 voters registered for the elections in Ondo State while 1,757,205 have collected their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and are eligible to vote.

VERDICT: CORRECT

SOURCE: INEC

Claim 4

CLAIM: A TikTok user, @brodabanter_backup_page, has claimed that three governorship candidates have withdrawn their candidacy for Aiyedatiwa.

THE FINDINGS: The NFC found credible news reports from November 14 corroborating the claim. Ebenezer Adeniyan, the chief press secretary (CPS) to the Ondo governor, Aiyedatiwa, confirmed that the candidates had backed the governor.

The candidates are Ajibola Falaye of the Accord Party (AP), Jenyo Ataunoko of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), and Olaide Ibrahim, the deputy candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

VERDICT: CORRECT

SOURCES: The Cable and The Guardian.

Claim 3

CLAIM: An X user, @TheoAbuAgada has claimed that the Labour Party (LP) is not included in  Ondo governorship election ballot paper.

THE FINDINGS: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo confirmed that the Labour Party (LP) was captured on the ballot in the ongoing governorship election in the state.

All political parties that field candidates for the poll verified and confirmed the inclusion of their correct logos ahead of today’s election. Also, Alex Ehime, a journalist with the ICIR who is monitoring the election in Ondo State, after visiting a polling unit, confirmed that LP is on the ballot.

However,  INEC yesterday in compliance with a court order, restored Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as LP candidate for the Ondo state governorship poll. He replaced Olusola Ebiseni.

VERDICT: INCORRECT

SOURCES:  INEC Ondo, Mildrate Okay (a voter in Ondo poll), Alex Ehime (ICIR journalist) and a copy of the 2024 Ondo governorship ballot.

Claim 2

CLAIM: In a campaign tweet, an X user, @KolaDemolaHQ, claimed that Ondo state contributes 12 per cent of Nigeria’s oil and gas.

THE FINDINGS: According to the 2023 annual report by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Ondo State’s crude oil/condensate production was 12,203,686 barrels. Its gas production was 36,558,160 Mscf, contributing approximately 3.36 per cent to Nigeria’s total crude oil/condensate production of 363,381,639 barrels. Consequently, Ondo State contributes 1.92 per cent to the nation’s total gas production of 1,905,828,426 Mscf in 2023.

VERDICT: INCORRECT

SOURCE: Annual report of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

Claim 1

CLAIM:  According to Egalitarian Voice Media and Enterprises, PDP deputy governorship candidate Festus Akingbaso claimed that thugs invaded Idanre Local Government Area during the ongoing governorship election.

THE FINDINGS: An Arise news report published on Nov. 13, 2024, claimed that thugs had invaded Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, causing mayhem in the neighbourhood. The state police commissioner, Abayomi Oladipo, has ordered an immediate investigation.

However, reacting to the allegation that thugs again invaded Idanre LGA on election day, Odunlami Ibukun, Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Police Command, said she was unaware of the attack and that there were police officers on the ground — Idanre LGA. She added that they were instructed to report any attack. She said: “So far, we have not received any report, but we will investigate the matter.”

VERDICT: UNPROVEN

SOURCE: Odunlami Ibukun (Ondo state police PRO).

 

Nigerian Fact-checkers' Coalition

*This fact-check report was jointly researched and written by members of the Nigerian Fact-Checkers’ Coalition (NFC): Nurudeen Akewushola, Muritala Abdullahi, Fatimah Quadri (FactCheckHub); Elizabeth Ogunbamowo, Cole Praise, Lateef Sanni, Lademi Aborisade, Philip Anjorin, Silas Jonathan, Sunday Awosoro, Mohammed Taoheed, Asiat Jimoh (Dubawa); Catherine Adeniyi, Motunrayo Joel, Allwell Okpi, Adelola Semilore, Denzel Amobi, Muktar Balogun and Precious Ewuji (Africa Check); Caleb Ijioma, Balogun Abosede Mufutiat, Quadri Yahya, Agbelusi Samuel (RoundCheck); Orji Ruth (NatureFacts); Claire Mom (The Cable); Faruk Shuaibu (Daily Trust); Kamal Idress (WikkiTimes); Hannah Ajakaiye, Victor Odion, Efemena Ighofose (FactsMatterNG); Pascal Ibe, Adisa-Jaji Azeez, Salihu Shola Taofeek and Blessing Otoibhi (ICIR); and Rosemary Ajayi (Digital Africa Research Lab).

It was edited and approved for publication by Simbiat Bakare, Lois Ugbede (Dubawa), David Ajikobi (Africa Check), Ajibola Amzat (CCIJ), and Opeyemi Kehinde (FactCheckHub) and Bamas Victoria (ICIR).

Ondo election: Rowdiness, absence of security officers observed in major riverine area

Bankole ABE
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Ondo election: Rowdiness, absence of security officers observed in major riverine area

ROWDINESS and an absence of security officers were observed at Ugbonla, Ilaje Local Government Area on governorship election day in Ondo State as large crowds bombarded the major waterfront in the area to travel and cast their votes.

Large crowds flooded the community’s waterfront – a gateway to many villages like  Obe Nla, Obeji, Obearelewo, Obefela, Oberewoye, and Obeagun – as early as 5.30 am.

As seen by one of The ICIR reporter covering the election in the state, most of the crowds are those travelling by water to the villages to cast their votes.

The incumbent Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election is from one of the communities.

The ICIR reported that the election commenced in many parts of the state as scheduled.

Priority voting was given to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women in most polling units observed.

Before the elections, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) instructed its officers to ensure the safety of the electorate, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and electoral materials, given the political violence reported in Idanre Local Government Area (LGA) a few days before the poll.

The inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, assured the state residents of extensive security deployments and strict enforcement measures to ensure peace across the state before, during and after the election.

In a statement released on November 10, Egbetokun outlined the deployment of police personnel and specialised units to all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in Ondo State.

In addition to officers on the ground, the IGP announced plans to deploy helicopters for aerial patrols and gunboats to monitor waterways, enhancing security coverage across all terrains.

He also warned political thugs and any individuals aiming to disrupt the process, vowing that “they will face the full force of the law.”

A total of 1,757,205 voters who collected permanent voter’s cards are expected to cast their ballots in the 3,933 polling units across the 203 wards in the state’s 18 LGAs.

According to INEC, 18 political parties are featuring candidates. However, The ICIR reported that three candidates withdrew from the race.

The Appeal Court also sacked the Labour Party candidate in the election, Olusola Ebiseni, on Thursday, November 14.

READ ALSO:

The leading contenders in the poll are the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

They are both from the southern senatorial region of the state.

The ICIR reports that Agboola was deputy to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu between 2017 and 2021.

 

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