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 to monitor the August 15 governorship election and curb vote-buying.
The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Osun State, Yusuf Olatunji, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists during a street campaign against vote-buying held in Osogbo.
The awareness rally, organised by the Commission, featured corps members, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ICPC personnel and other participants. Throughout the exercise, speakers delivered anti-vote-buying messages in Nigeria’s three major languages to educate residents on the dangers of electoral corruption.
The procession began at Igbona Market, passed through Old Garage and Olaiya Area, and ended at Alekuwodo Market in Osogbo. Participants also distributed fliers highlighting the consequences of vote-buying and vote-selling.
Speaking after the rally, Olatunji said the campaign was designed to reinforce the Commission’s stance against vote trading and to remind residents that the practice is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
“We are out here to let the people of the state to know that vote buying is a crime under Nigerian law. From the ICPC, we will not be tolerating vote buying or selling and anybody culpable of this will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Commission has made adequate arrangements to deploy our personnel to all the 30 local governments to monitor the election to ensure that vote buying is eradicated.
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“We want to appeal to the voters that they should not encourage vote buying. Don’t let anybody deceive you with money. Anybody that engages in such – both giver and taker – is liable and will be punished,” Olatunji said.
He also urged voters to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process by rejecting all forms of electoral corruption, particularly the buying and selling of votes.
He further said, “Vote buying and vote selling may appear to offer temporary financial relief, but they inflict lasting damage on our democracy. When votes become commodities, leadership becomes a transaction rather than a mandate. The consequences are evident: poor governance, unfulfilled promises, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment,and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.
“Every voter must understand that the money offered in exchange for a vote may be spent within a few days, but the effects of electing the wrong leaders may be felt for years. No amount of money is worth sacrificing quality education for our children, better healthcare good roads, employment opportunities, and sustainable development.”
The August 15 governorship election will feature candidates from 14 political parties, including the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term on the platform of the Accord Party.