Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected vote-buyer during the ongoing governorship election in Ondo State.

According to reports, the individual was caught with two bags of cash, allegedly intended to sway voters at the polling station.

The arrest took place at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, situated outside St. Stephen’s Primary School in Akure.

It occurred around 9:00 am, just as voters began trooping in to exercise their civic duty.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the suspect’s activities had drawn suspicion before the DSS operatives intervened and took him into custody.

Vote-buying, a practice that undermines free and fair elections, has been a recurring issue in Nigeria’s electoral process, and the arrest underscores the determination of security agencies to clamp down on such illegal acts.

Authorities are yet to disclose further details about the suspect or the exact amount of money recovered.

Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has already cast his vote at Polling Unit 6, Ward 4, located in Obenla, Ilaje Local Government Area.

Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor, is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and faces stiff competition from 16 other candidates representing various political parties.

Among his main challengers is Agboola Ajayi, a seasoned politician contesting under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ajayi, who has served in different political capacities, including as deputy governor, is a prominent figure in the state and is known for his grassroots support.

As the day progresses, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured voters of a transparent process. 

Observers from local and international organizations have also been stationed across polling units to monitor proceedings.

Security agencies have intensified efforts to ensure a peaceful atmosphere, emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy toward electoral malpractices.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria, recently had the honor of being a guest speaker at Yale University, a prestigious institution known for its rich history of academic excellence and global engagement.

Speaking at the event, which was part of the Yale Africa Initiative, Obi expressed his gratitude to Yale’s leadership, the Council on African Studies, and the Christie and Chinua Achebe Foundation for giving him the platform to discuss a topic close to his heart: democracy in Africa.

In his address, Obi delved into the challenges facing African democracies, particularly the disillusionment that many voters experience during elections.

He pointed out that much of this disillusionment stems from a deep sense of unfulfilled expectations.

In many African nations, citizens go to the polls with high hopes, only to be let down by governments that fail to deliver on promises of economic prosperity, social justice, and good governance.

Obi underscored that one of the key factors contributing to this disillusionment is a failure of leadership.

He explained that poor governance, characterized by corrupt practices, lack of accountability, and disregard for the rule of law, has eroded the public’s trust in democratic institutions.

He further noted that flawed elections, violations of term limits, and unresolved conflicts continue to undermine the progress of democratic governance in many African countries.

He also discussed how internal divisions, including ethnic and religious differences, often exacerbate the challenges facing African democracies.

These divisions weaken national institutions and create a divide between political leaders and the people they are meant to serve.

As a result, the trust gap between the electorate and the political class continues to widen, making it difficult for African nations to build strong, stable democracies.

On a more optimistic note, Obi highlighted the role of new political movements in addressing exclusion and fostering more inclusive politics across the continent.

He acknowledged the importance of these movements in challenging the status quo and pushing for a broader, more participatory form of democracy.

Obi pointed to Africa’s shift from single-party to multi-party systems as evidence that building a strong democracy is a difficult yet achievable task.

However, Obi emphasized that genuine political reform requires more than just political movements—it requires political will.

He called on African leaders to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and to prioritize reforms that would strengthen democratic institutions.

He also urged governments to respect term limits and work towards resolving internal conflicts, stressing that these steps are crucial for ensuring that democracy thrives on the continent.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured voters in Ondo State of a smooth and credible governorship election as residents head to the polls today.

Speaking on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Professor Kunle Ajayi, INEC National Commissioner overseeing Ondo, Ogun, and Osun States, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deliver on its mandate.

Ajayi expressed confidence in INEC’s preparations, stating that the electoral body has taken all necessary steps to ensure a seamless process.

“We have done our work diligently, and we are proud of our efforts.

We will not let the people of Ondo State down as they turn out in large numbers to elect their next governor,” he emphasized.

INEC began distributing sensitive electoral materials to various local government areas across the state on Thursday.

This process was carried out at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Alagbaka, Akure, under tight security.

Armed police officers, party representatives, and commercial buses hired by the Commission were present to oversee and facilitate the distribution.

Unlike the recent governorship election in Edo State, where logistical challenges delayed some materials, Ajayi confirmed that all Registered Areas (RAs) in Ondo State had received their sensitive materials by Friday afternoon.

“As of 3 pm today, every RA had been supplied with their materials.

The next step is to ensure they are delivered to Polling Units (PUs) in time for voting.

I personally visited some of the RAs this afternoon to monitor progress,” he added.