The by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency took a dramatic turn on Saturday as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, raised alarm over reports of vote buying.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Ward 11, Polling Unit 38, inside the University of Ibadan, Akin-Alamu revealed that voters were allegedly being offered cash and other inducements in exchange for their ballots. He described the act as a serious threat to democracy, warning that it undermines the credibility of the entire process.
Despite his concerns, the ADC candidate commended INEC for the early arrival of election materials, which ensured smooth accreditation and voting. However, he expressed disappointment over the poor turnout of voters, noting that only a handful of people had shown up across several wards.
The by-election became necessary following the death of APC lawmaker Olajide Akinremi on July 10. Although INEC officials arrived as early as 7:30 a.m. at most polling units, many stations remained nearly empty.
At Bodija Ward 10, Unit 26 (8:22 a.m.), and Ward 5, Unit 19 (8:27 a.m.), officials and security agents were on ground, fully prepared, but voters were missing in action. “We are 100 per cent ready at Methodist Grammar School, Bodija, Ward 5, Unit 26. As you can see, we are setting up and waiting for voters,” INEC staff Omolara Gbamigbade explained.
Some who turned up early, like Miss Oluwaseun Omisakin, the first voter at Ward 10, Unit 27, Police Station, Bodija Housing Corporation, praised the process. Arriving at 9:07 a.m., she completed accreditation and voting in just five minutes. “The BVAS had a minor glitch, but the officials handled it well. Honestly, I wasn’t even expecting the process to be this smooth,” she said with relief.
