Osun poll: ICPC deploys operatives across 30 LGs to stop vote buying

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to deploy its personnel across all 30 local government areas of Osun State for the August 15 governorship election as part of efforts to stop vote buying and other electoral offences.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Osogbo by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Osun State, Yusuf Olatunji, during a public awareness campaign organised by the commission to educate residents on the dangers of vote trading ahead of the election.

The rally attracted corps members, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ICPC staff and other participants. The campaign moved through major parts of Osogbo, beginning from Igbona Market, passing through Old Garage and Olaiya, before ending at Alekuwodo Market. During the exercise, participants spoke to residents in different Nigerian languages and shared educational materials explaining the legal consequences of buying or selling votes.

Olatunji said the campaign was organised to remind voters that both offering and accepting money in exchange for votes are offences under Nigerian law. He disclosed that the commission had completed arrangements to deploy officers to every local government area in the state to monitor the election and ensure compliance with electoral laws.

He warned that anyone caught participating in vote buying or vote selling would face arrest and prosecution. He also appealed to residents not to allow financial inducements to influence their decisions at the polls, saying voters should protect the credibility of the electoral process by rejecting all forms of electoral corruption.

According to him, exchanging votes for money may provide temporary financial benefit but often results in poor leadership, weak public services, unemployment, insecurity and slow development. He urged voters to think about the long-term effect of their choices rather than immediate financial gain.

The governorship election in Osun State will feature candidates from 14 political parties. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking another term on the platform of the Accord Party, while political parties continue preparations for the poll amid increased efforts by relevant agencies to ensure a peaceful and transparent election.