#OndoDecides2024: Election Turns Violent As Thugs Fire Gunshots, Enforce Voters Sit- At- Home
Idanre town in Ondo State witnessed a tense atmosphere during the ongoing gubernatorial election as suspected thugs reportedly fired gunshots, causing panic and scaring voters away from polling units. The incident occurred in Ofosu village, located in the Idanre council area, leading many residents to abandon the voting process and remain indoors.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunshots started early in the morning and continued throughout the day, with unknown individuals firing sporadically into the air. A community leader, speaking to Vanguard, said the identities of the culprits remain unknown, but their actions created fear among residents.
” We don’ t know who they are, but they’ ve been shooting into the air in various parts of the village since morning, ” the leader said. While no casualties were reported, the constant gunfire forced villagers to stay indoors to avoid harm.
Ofosu, a border village near Edo State, is one of the areas expected to participate in the election. However, the disruption has cast doubt on the ability of residents to exercise their voting rights.
Elsewhere in Ondo State, the election was also marred by technical issues and allegations of irregularities. Agboola Ajayi, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed dissatisfaction with the process after encountering delays during accreditation at his polling unit in Apoi Ward 11, Ese- Odo Local Government Area.
Ajayi criticized the malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which delayed his accreditation by 10 minutes. He further alleged that the electoral process had been compromised, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias.
” The system has been compromised. It is sad that INEC cannot conduct an election well in one state, ” Ajayi lamented. He also raised concerns about the impartiality of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Olatoyin Babalola, describing her as unfit to ensure a fair election.
In addition to technical issues, reports of vote buying have surfaced in various parts of the state. Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were allegedly seen distributing ₦3, 000 to voters at polling units in Okitipupa Local Government Area. A video shared by the African Action Congress (AAC) Oyo State Chairman, Kayode Babayomi, captured scenes of money being handed out to sway voters.
At another location in Irele Local Government Area, both APC and PDP agents were accused of giving voters signed papers as proof to collect cash payments after voting. Some voters admitted to receiving the papers but claimed they were unaware of the exact amount to be paid.
The gubernatorial election, which began early on November 16, will determine the next governor of Ondo State. Incumbent governor and APC candidate Lucky Aiyedatiwa was among those who voted early, expressing hope for a peaceful outcome despite the widespread challenges.
