By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has warned that both givers and takers of money for votes will be arrested and prosecuted, as it announced plans to deploy operatives to all 30 local government areas of Osun State for the Saturday, 15 August, 2026 governorship election.
The warning was issued by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Osun State, Yusuf Olatunji, while addressing journalists during a street rally against vote-buying organised by the commission in Osogbo on Thursday, 6 August, 2026.
The rally, which drew corps members, staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission and ICPC operatives, featured campaign messages delivered in three major Nigerian languages, taking off at Igbona Market before moving through the Old Garage to Olaiya Area and terminating at Alekuwodo Market.
Fliers detailing the adverse implications of vote-buying were also distributed to residents along the route.
Speaking after the rally, Olatunji said the exercise was organised to drive home the commission’s message against vote trading.
“We are out here to let the people of the state 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,” he said.
He disclosed that the commission had made adequate arrangements to deploy personnel across the state to monitor the poll.
“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,” he said, appealing to voters against succumbing to inducement.
“Don’t let anybody deceive you with money. Anybody that engages in such, both giver and taker, is liable and will be punished,” he added.
Olatunji urged the electorate to protect the integrity of the electoral process by rejecting vote buying and vote selling, warning that the practice inflicted lasting damage on democracy despite its temporary appeal.
“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,” he said.
He listed poor governance, unfulfilled promises, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment and declining public confidence as consequences of the practice, urging voters to look beyond short-term gains.
“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,” he said.
