Osun Poll: ICPC Deploys Operatives Across 30 LGAs, Issues Stern Warning To Vote Buyers

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to deploy its operatives across all 30 local government areas of Osun State to monitor the August 15 governorship election and combat vote buying.

The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Osun State, Yusuf Olatunji, disclosed this on Thursday during an anti-vote-buying awareness rally held in Osogbo.

The sensitisation campaign featured officials of the ICPC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who educated residents on the dangers and legal consequences of electoral corruption.

During the rally, participants addressed members of the public in English and major Nigerian languages, urging them to reject both the buying and selling of votes. They also distributed informational fliers highlighting the penalties associated with electoral offences.

The awareness campaign began at Igbona Market and moved through Old Garage and Olaiya before concluding at Alekuwodo Market in Osogbo.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Olatunji said the campaign was aimed at educating voters on the criminal implications of vote trading and the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

He warned that the commission would not tolerate any form of vote buying or vote selling, stressing that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted.

According to him, the ICPC has concluded arrangements to deploy personnel to all the state’s local government areas to closely monitor the election and deter electoral malpractice.

Olatunji cautioned that both politicians offering inducements and voters accepting money or gifts in exchange for their votes risk prosecution under Nigerian law.

He urged residents not to compromise their votes for temporary financial gain, noting that the long-term consequences of electing the wrong leaders far outweigh any immediate benefits.

The commissioner said electoral corruption undermines democracy by encouraging poor governance, weakening public trust, promoting insecurity, increasing unemployment and slowing development.

He therefore advised voters to make informed decisions at the polls and reject any attempt to influence their choices through financial inducements.

Olatunji also encouraged members of the public to report suspected cases of vote buying to security agencies and electoral officials, assuring them that the commission would take decisive action against offenders throughout the election period.