At around 10 a.m., the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested three individuals in the Egor Local Government Area of Edo State for suspected vote buying during the ongoing governorship election.
This election has been anticipated to involve various illegal activities aimed at influencing votes, prompting the deployment of security officials and the EFCC to ensure a credible, free, and fair process.
The three suspects—two men and one woman—were apprehended for their alleged involvement in vote buying.
However, local residents have protested, claiming that the suspects are being unfairly targeted, although the reasons for their assertions have not been disclosed.
Today’s elections feature three main candidates: Asue Ighodalo representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Monday Okpebholo for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata for the Labour Party (LP). While about 17 candidates are contesting, the race is largely seen as a contest among these three.
The outcome of today’s election will significantly impact the future of Edo State. As Governor Obaseki has suggested, it could determine whether the state “lives or dies.”