Reports of mass bribery in several Cross River state local government areas have disrupted Saturday’s gubernatorial and state elections.
Hooligans and political thugs began intimidating voters immediately after polls opened in 18 local government boards, while party proxies began conducting open polls at various polling stations, according to election observers.
Observers said the most affected local councils were Calabar City, Calabar South, Urep and Yakur Local Government Areas.
In the Yakurr LGA, an APC agent openly offered money to voters at the polling station at the licensing office, said a party agent, who did not want to be named.
Also read:Gunmen kidnap Cross River Commissioner Gertrude Niall
“In Calabar City, District 6, Voting Group 001, APC and PDP agents had violations such as assisting voters to cast their votes at the polling stations; writing their names and then voting and getting money and refreshments after voting was done. They even Open vote buying in the presence of security personnel,” he said.
“In the same District 6, 12th and 13th polling units of Calabar South Presbyterian Primary School, Ikot Ishie, this is a contest from the PDP and armored personnel carrier. They pay anywhere from N500 to N2000 and above depending on your weight.
“What they do is, you write your name, you go to vote, you come back with ink on your thumb, and you get your money. On the other hand, you write your name, you vote and you come and get your money ,”He said.
join the conversation
Support Ripples Nigeria, Support Solutions Journalism
Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at a huge financial cost.
As a media platform, we are accountable to our leadership and will not trade the rights to a free press and free speech for a piece of the cake.
If you like our work and would like to support solutions journalism, please donate to Ripple Nigeria reason.
Your support will help ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to trusted and reliable information for social development.
donate now
