‘Ati gbowo’: An elderly woman claims to have collected money for votes

An elderly woman speaking live on TVC News openly admitted to collecting money in exchange for her vote during the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.

The woman speaking in Yoruba said on Saturday in polling unit in Igbotako, “Ati dibo, Ibo onlo, nirowo, niro ese, ko si wahala, ati gbowo,” which translates to, “I have voted; voting is smooth, there is no problem, and I have collected money.”

Her admission came amid widespread efforts by security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to prevent vote-buying during the elections.

Meanwhile, YIAGA Africa, a non-profit civic hub, speaking on vote-buying, said it is a notorious fact and an open secret that in Ondo State there is a culture of “Dibo ko se obe” meaning vote and “cook soup”

In a separate incident reported by The Guardian, DSS operatives arrested a suspected vote buyer in Ondo.

The man, reportedly in his 40s, was intercepted while driving a Toyota Camry. A search of the vehicle revealed two bags of cash and a cutlass hidden in the trunk.

The suspect, who denied knowledge of the items, was taken into custody by the DSS for further investigation.

Security personnel had been strategically deployed across the state to ensure a credible and peaceful election.

The DSS, along with other security agencies, had increased efforts to enforce electoral laws and maintain peace in Ondo State.

The State Police Command has said drones will be used to monitor the state’s governorship election taking place today (Saturday).

In a statement on its X handle on Saturday morning, the Command said drones would be flying around the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office and also some polling units.

It urged the public not to be afraid if they see drones flying around.

“If you see a Drone flying around INEC Office and some of the polling units, don’t get scared, the drones are Police Drones for election monitoring. Thanks.” the Command wrote.