#OndoDecide: DSS Arrests Suspected Vote- Buyer With 2 Big Bags Of Money; SEE Details
Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested a suspected vote buyer during the Ondo State governorship election on Saturday. The suspect was apprehended at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, located outside St. Stephen’ s Primary School in Akure, the state capital.
According to reports, the suspect was caught near the polling unit, drawing the attention of both DSS operatives and bystanders. Television footage captured the moment when the operatives asked the man to unlock the boot of his Toyota Camry vehicle. Upon opening it, two large ‘ Ghana- must- go’ bags were discovered inside.
Although the contents of the bags were not revealed on camera, the scene quickly attracted a crowd of onlookers. The situation became tense as people surrounded the area, speculating about the bags’ contents. To prevent further commotion, DSS officials swiftly moved the suspect into a waiting white bus and drove him away from the location.
Vote buying has become a recurring problem in Nigerian elections, raising concerns among citizens and civil society groups. Political party agents are often accused of using cash to influence voters at polling stations, undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
As the Ondo governorship election progresses, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) remain the top contenders for the governorship seat.
See video of Ondo State election
This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of electoral laws to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. Civil society organizations have repeatedly called for increased vigilance and accountability to curb electoral malpractices like vote buying, which erode public trust in the democratic process.
Further details on the arrest and subsequent investigation into the incident are expected as authorities continue to monitor the election closely.
