In the run-up to the Edo State governorship elections, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been accused of engaging in vote buying by distributing rice to sway voters. Among those implicated are APC gubernatorial candidate Monday Okpebholo and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the representative of Edo North Senatorial District and former governor of the state.
A viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter) allegedly shows trailers loaded with “federal government rice” being offloaded at Oshiomhole’s residence in his village. The rice, which was reportedly designated as a palliative to ease the burden of inflation and economic hardship, is now suspected to be repurposed for election manipulation. According to sources, the rice is being stockpiled to be distributed to voters on the eve of the election in an effort to buy their support.
Oshiomhole who is not the only one linked to the scheme was joined by Okpebholo, who reportedly concluded his campaign by distributing bags of rice to potential voters. In a statement circulated by his campaign, Okpebholo’s team openly boasted that he had “captured the hearts of Edo people” by distributing a trailer-load of rice, which critics argue is a blatant case of vote buying.
The strategy of using rice intended for federal palliatives for election purposes has sparked outrage. Many accuse the APC of using public resources to manipulate voters, preying on the desperation of those struggling with hunger and poverty. Critics say the practice is emblematic of a larger issue within the party, which they argue has exacerbated the country’s economic challenges and now seeks to maintain power through so-called “stomach infrastructure.”
Former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Godwin Obaseki, John Mayaki, decried the practice, calling it a “politics of the belly.” He noted, “People are now seeing rice as gold, and the donors as their saviors. A failed party whose policies have deepened hunger now offers short-term relief in exchange for votes. It’s not just vote buying; it’s a brazen form of corruption and wickedness.” Mayaki also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to act swiftly, emphasizing that the Electoral Act penalizes any form of voter inducement with a fine or imprisonment. He called for accountability and insisted that no one, no matter their political standing, should be spared from facing the law.
As the election approaches, all eyes are on the authorities to see whether these allegations will be thoroughly investigated, and if any meaningful actions will be taken to curb electoral misconduct.