The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Saturday noted instances of vote-buying at several polling units during the Ondo State governorship election.
The PSC, which had deployed personnel to oversee the conduct of police officers, expressed concern over the persistence of vote-buying in elections across the nation.
According to the Commission’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, in an interim report on the election: “There were reports of isolated incidents of vote-buying at some polling centres, which unfortunately has become a recurring challenge in elections across the country.”
Despite these concerns, the PSC commended the overall performance of the security personnel deployed for the election, particularly the police.
Ani noted: “The Commission was satisfied with the conduct of the security officers who managed the Ondo State governorship election today. PSC monitors reported that police officers arrived at polling units on time and effectively ensured the security of the voting process.”
The monitors observed that the officers were courteous, professional, and firm in handling their duties. The security management was led by Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, who coordinated a smooth deployment of officers across all Local Government Areas.
He was supported by senior police officials, including AIG Zone 7, Benneth Igwe, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo Peter, and Olatunji Disu, the CP of the Federal Capital Territory.
The PSC monitors described the overall security arrangement as credible and above average, drawing praise from the Civil Society Situation Room. Members of the Situation Room also commended the PSC for its proactive supervision of police conduct during the election.
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