Election Day Tactics: Politicians Distribute Food and Cash to Influence Voters
Ahead of the Ondo State governorship election this Saturday, reports have emerged of politicians using food and cash to sway voters in their favor.
According to sources, various political parties are distributing essential goods such as rice, noodles, maize, and fertilizers to local communities in a bid to attract voters across the state.
Voters have come forward to share their experiences of these tactics, with community leader Joseph Ayeni from Ifedore LGA recounting how a prominent party distributed rice and noodles to locals, presenting it as a gesture of goodwill from their candidate.
“They came to our community with packs of noodles and bags of rice, which they distributed from their bus, saying it was from the governorship candidate,” Ayeni said. “We shared the rice, while the women divided the noodles.”
In addition, some political factions have been handing out monetary presents to encourage voters to support their affiliated campaign organizations during community gatherings where candidates discuss their strategies and initiatives.
A farmer from a different region, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that his community received corn, agricultural supplements, and insecticides from a political group. “They gave out these items during their campaign, saying they couldn’t visit without bringing something for us,” the farmer said, adding that not all residents benefited equally.
The use of incentives to encourage voting has raised concerns among election oversight organizations. Yiaga Africa has expressed worries about the practice, citing cases of offering money in exchange for votes in various local government regions.
Safiya Bichi, who leads Yiaga Africa’s team focused on knowledge, management, and learning, highlighted the issue, noting that party leaders are working together with local community figures to distribute food and money, with the intention of swaying the results of the elections.
Bichi condemned the practice, stating that tensions are rising as parties accuse each other of vote manipulation. “This situation highlights the need for vigilance and peaceful conduct,” she said.
She urged security agencies to take proactive steps to ensure a safe and fair election, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of voters, election officials, and participants to maintain electoral integrity.
