The CLEEN Foundation has released its findings on the conduct of security personnel during the recently concluded Ondo State governorship election, noting both positive aspects and areas of concern.
The non-governmental organization, which monitored the election across various polling units, observed a strong presence of security personnel, especially from the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the report, officers arrived at their duty posts early, with most units reporting their presence between 7:00 am and 7:59 am, and nearly 30% of polling units indicating that personnel arrived even before 7:00 am.
The Foundation noted that most polling units had at least two security personnel present, with many having three or more.
However, there was an isolated report of one polling unit where no security personnel were initially available, raising concerns about coverage in certain areas.
Despite this, the general conduct of the security personnel was commended, as observers reported that officers were easily identifiable through their name tags and maintained a professional demeanor throughout the exercise.
While the overall atmosphere at polling stations was largely peaceful and secure, there were a few incidents of conflict.
“In Isalu Jigbokin Ward 8, Unit 002, a fight broke out between party agents, which threatened to disrupt the voting process but was quickly contained by law enforcement officers.
“A similar altercation was reported at Okitipupa Ward 2, Unit 016, where party agents clashed over attempts to influence voters. In both cases, the timely intervention of security personnel prevented the situation from escalating further.
A major concern noted in the report was the widespread issue of voter inducement.
“Observers documented numerous instances of vote trading, with political parties allegedly offering cash incentives ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per vote. Various tactics were reportedly employed, including direct cash payments, bank transfers upon confirmation of votes, and providing food and drinks as inducements. In some instances, voters were asked to show their ballots before receiving payment, a practice that undermines the credibility of the election process.
The CLEEN Foundation noted specific reports from Okitipupa Ward 2, Unit 016, where party agents were actively involved in controlling the voting through financial inducements.
The report also mentioned some technical issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). While the devices generally functioned well, there were isolated incidents of malfunction, such as at Akure-North Ward 4, Polling Unit 1, where delays were experienced due to problems with facial recognition.
In light of the observations, the CLEEN Foundation urged law enforcement agencies to develop strategies specifically aimed at curbing vote trading, including the use of undercover surveillance and increased public awareness campaigns on the illegality of such practices.
The Foundation also called for enhanced training for security personnel on conflict resolution to handle disputes effectively without disrupting the voting process.
Additionally, it emphasized the need for early deployment of security personnel, particularly in underserved areas, and suggested mechanisms to monitor and address any lapses in their conduct to maintain public confidence.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also urged to address technical issues related to BVAS devices by conducting thorough pre-election testing and providing real-time support.
The report recommended that INEC partner with civil society organizations to educate voters on the dangers of vote trading and collaborate with anti-corruption agencies to monitor and penalize party agents engaging in such practices. It suggested incentivizing polling units and personnel that comply with electoral laws to encourage accountability and integrity.
The CLEEN Foundation further called on civil society organizations to intensify efforts in educating the public on electoral offenses and the importance of rejecting inducements. It emphasized the need for active citizenship, urging voters to report instances of vote trading and misconduct through accessible hotlines and social media channels.
However, the CLEEN Foundation commended the overall professionalism of security personnel deployed for the election but expressed concern over the rampant voter inducement observed.
The organization called for continued vigilance from law enforcement agencies, even after the declaration of results by INEC, to ensure that the democratic process is upheld and the integrity of the electoral system is maintained.