We won’t allow “cash for votes”–INEC

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he Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC) on Monday warned  candidates contesting in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti that it would not allow the exchange of votes for cash.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu,  who gave the warning in Ado Ekiti at a stakeholders meeting, said the  commission was  working with law enforcement agents to prevent vote buying during the poll.

Yakubu was represented by INEC National Chairman in charge of Oyo Ekiti , Osun and  Ondo States, Mr  Solomon Soyebi.

“ The elections in Edo, Ondo and Anambra States were largely  monetised. We are aware of this . It was see and buy, but we promise you, it won’t happen in Ekiti,’’ he said.

He said INEC had conducted a total of 286 polls since 2015, adding that  only 28 were nullified,  due to parties’ poor internal democracy.

“It was N5,000 per vote in Ondo and Anambra states. We are working with security agencies not to allow it to happen again. We even seized some cash in Anambra state.

“In Ekiti election, we won’t allow any  vehicle to come near the polling units  because the politicians used to keep the money in the booth. With this, it will reduce because politicians can’t carry large amount in their pockets,’’ he said.

The INEC chairman gave an assurance  that INEC would be neutral in the  election, urging  the stakeholders to work hard to mobilise the people for the continuous registration exercise and also claim the over 200,000 Permanent Voter Cards that were still with the commission.

The  Commissioner of  Police, Mr  Abdullahi Chafe,  said the force  had mapped out strategies  to stop electoral malfeasance by ensuring that a  minimum of  four policemen are stationed in a  polling unit.

NAN