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#Ondo Decides2024: CDD Decries Vote Buying, Low Turnout

Published

9 months ago

November 16, 2024

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa (CDD) has expressed concerns over widespread vote buying and voter apathy in the just concluded Ondo State governorship election.

The CDD, in a preliminary statement signed by Prof. Victoria Adetula, Lead CDD Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC), Observation Mission Ondo 2024, and Dr. Daudu Garuba, Director, CDD-West Africa, though noted early arrival of electoral materials in many polling units and professional conducted security agents were reported by its observers, election was not marred by many lapses.

Vote Trading

In its preliminary statement, the CDD Election Analysis Centre recorded instances of vote buying in areas, saying that in “Okitipupa LGA, Ward 09, Unit 003 (Irowa, Ilutitun 3), voters were solicited for their votes, with APC allegedly offering ₦10,000 per voter and PDP ₦3,000. In Odigbo LGA,
Ward 01, Unit 001 (Oja Baale, Agbabu), reports of vote-buying were noted, with APC allegedly offering ₦10,000 and PDP ₦5,000 per voter. “

The CDD noted: “Our observers also noted that some party agents started transferring money to voters to circumvent having to hold cash. In Ese-Odo, Ward 07, Unit 013 (Tari Ama Zion Ugo Community, Arogbo Ward 2), Vote-buying was observed at this polling unit, with PDP offering ₦3,000 and APC offering ₦5,000 to voters.

“Vote buying and other forms of inducement were prevalent from the start of the poll. CDD observers watching the process in Ward 5, PU 001, located at St Johns Primary School, Iba Akoko South East spotted APC leaders writing
down the names of those who voted for their candidate.

“Subsequently, a card was given to them and they were
instructed to converge at an agreed location where cash would be disbursed to them.

“The situation was similar in Ondo Central senatorial district where several polling units witnessed incidents of vote buying. In Ifedore LGA, Ward 1, PU 12 (Olafare), political party agents distributed tally marks and coupons to voters.
These were later presented at designated locations to claim monetary rewards. Similarly, in Ondo East LGA, Ward 002, PU 002 (Dispensary/Bolorunduro Odo-Aladura Health Centre), party agents strategically positioned themselves to monitor voters’ choices, offering financial incentives after the votes were cast.

“In places where the practice of “see and buy” was difficult, because of the presence of security personnel, voters were seen capturing their ballot with phones and presented as proof to be paid.

“At Akure North LGA, Ward 5, PU 13 (Gloryland Primary School), tensions flared over a requirement for voters to display their choices publicly before casting their ballots. Many objected to this practice, arguing it violated the confidentiality of the voting process.”

Electoral Procedures Violation

The civil society organisation lamented that despite efforts by groups and agencies to ensure that electoral procedures were strictly adhered to, there were breaches, expressing worries that this could compromise the integrity of the poll.

“These incidents reiterate the worries shared prior to the election about the intent of some actors in compromising the integrity of the poll. CDD-EAC notes that 8.8% of our observers saw canvassing for votes near the polling unit, including the presence of campaign posters, people soliciting for votes, wearing of materials with party logos and materials as well as some agents actively buying votes,” CDD noted.

Voter Suppression

According to the CDD-EAC, “Observers similarly reported incidents of voter suppression at Akoko North West, Oke Agbe Ward 3, Unit 17. At the polling unit, APC supporters overpowered the PDP agents and that security officials did not initially interfere until they were prompted to do so.

“Observers note that some officials and security personnel reported that they were under obligation to deliver this polling unit and referred to it being the polling unit of the Minister of Interior.”

On general performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa however commended the INEC on early arrival of electoral materials and deployment of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) across polling units, just as its commended security agencies for professional conduct.

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PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

2 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

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Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

2 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

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NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

3 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.