Essential voters were mobilized for victory, not vote-buying – Alonge
..congratulates Aiyedatiwa
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment, Barr. Felix Kolewale Alonge, has congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on his landslide victory during last Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
Alonge, who spoke with journalists on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in Akure, emphasized that there was no special preference during the election, noting that the success was due to the unity among party members.
He described the Governor’s victory as a reward for his loyalty, with his name having a spiritual undertone that worked toward its manifestation.
Reacting to concerns about vote-buying, Alonge quoted a political philosopher who said that money is the currency of politics, without which one cannot go far in any area of life.
He pointed out, that essential voters were mobilized for victory, not through vote-buying.
He further explained that money does not bring corruption, but that its misuse can lead to negative consequences.
“Money is essential in politics, especially for mobilizing people before an election. It is necessary for campaign activities, advertising, advocacy, and engagement with various stakeholders.
“You buy fuel, hire buses, and provide refreshments for people, and there is nothing wrong with that,” he stated.
“Even in the recent American election, candidates provided packages for the people, including Donald Trump, as a way of mobilizing essential voters for victory.”
He added, “It is an aberration to give money at the polling unit on election day, as the Electoral Act stipulates, and I did not see any instance where money was exchanged physically for votes.
Explaining the election process, Alonge said voting took place in a cubicle after voters collected their ballots, ensuring that no one could know which party a voter supported.
He concluded that vote-buying could not be verified, as voters may collect money and vote differently.
Announcing the Results by the Presiding Officer at Unit 001 Ward 3 Okia-Oka (KOSU) ,it was a resounding victory for Governor Aiyedatiwa:
APC—289
PDP—037
ADC—001
Void—009.
