By Muhammad Mamman
Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, has alleged large-scale vote buying during Saturday’s polls, raising serious concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Ward 11, Polling Unit 38, University of Ibadan, Akin-Alamu claimed to have received numerous reports indicating that voters were offered cash and other incentives to influence their choices at the ballot box.
“When voters are swayed by financial inducements, the true will of the people is lost,” Akin-Alamu said. “It erodes public trust and undermines the very foundation of democracy.”
He described the alleged vote buying as part of a troubling pattern in Nigerian politics, where unethical tactics are increasingly deployed to secure electoral victories.
Despite the allegations, Akin-Alamu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the timely delivery of election materials, which he said contributed to a smooth voting process.
However, the ADC candidate expressed concern over low voter turnout, describing the apathy as a setback for democratic participation in the constituency.
“When citizens choose not to engage, the strength of our democracy is diminished,” he added.
INEC has yet to respond to the allegations. As vote counting continues, tensions remain high, with candidates and observers closely monitoring developments across the constituency.
