An election observer group, Connected Development (CODE), has expressed dismay over verified reports of vote buying, saying votes were sold for as high as N20,000 in Market Square, Ogia Town Ward of Ogbia Local government area of Bayelsa state.

It added that votes buying were also witnessed at Ama-Ukwu Umuawaka Square Ward, of Njaba LGA, Imo state where votes were traded for as low as one N1,000, describing the practice as disturbing and must be halted.

Its Director, Democracy and Governance and head of Uzabe Elections Situation Room, Emmanuel Njoku, disclosed this while addressing a midday press conference in Lokoja, Kogi state.

He noted that it was heartening to report that the overall atmosphere in all three states had been peaceful and calm.

Njoku commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Permit for the early deployment of Adhoc staff and materials which ensured the early commencement of voting in various wards.

He added priority voting for the elderly had been observed in various locations like Mopa-Muro LGA in Kogi (Pandaya Market) and Ekeremor LGA (Ayama Ward) in Bayelsa amongst others.

Njoku added: “Disturbingly, in Bayelsa, Market Square Ogia Town Ward of Ogbia LGA, verified reports of vote buying have surfaced, with amounts going as high as N20,000. This was also observed at Ama-Ukwu Umuawaka Square Ward, of Njaba LGA, Imo state where votes were traded for as low as one thousand naira. This practice is disturbing and must be halted.

“As we anticipate further developments as voting is gradually coming to an end in many polling units across these states, sorting, counting, collation of results, we earnestly call upon all stakeholders to maintain their commitment to a peaceful electoral process.”

Njoku stressed that Bayelsa witnessed delayed voting in Kanabiri comp Ward of Sagbama LGA due to the absence of party agents, and late arrival of INEC officials at Yenogoa-Fankpo Square Ward.

He noted: “An incident in Ekeremor LGA (Azidekeoreyeine Square Ward), involved an individual attempting to abscond with INEC materials, but citizens resolved the situation without injuries. This stands as a testament to the collective power of the masses.

“At Eke-mbutu Market Square Ward of Mbaitoli LGA, Imo state, the BVAS machine malfunctioned and displayed Chinese language, causing a delay that was much later rectified.

“While we cannot conclusively speak to voter turnout at this time, low voter turnout has been reported in some parts of these states. Like we observed at Owerri North at Okwu Uratta Primary School Ward.” (THISDAY: Text, Excluding Headline)

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