The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned politicians and voters against vote buying and selling ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The commission said anyone caught engaging in vote trading would be arrested and prosecuted in line with the law.
Speaking during an anti-vote-buying awareness rally in Osogbo on Thursday, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in Osun, Yusuf Olatunji, said the agency would deploy personnel across all 30 local government areas of the state to monitor the election and prevent electoral corruption.
The rally, themed “My Vote, My Future: Reject Vote Buying, Protect Democracy,” was organised to sensitise residents on the dangers of exchanging votes for money or other incentives.
Olatunji urged eligible voters to reject all forms of inducement, including cash, gifts and food items, stressing that their votes should reflect their conscience and aspirations for a better Osun State.
He warned that while vote trading may provide temporary financial relief, it often leads to poor leadership, weak governance, unfulfilled campaign promises, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment and declining public trust in democratic institutions.
According to him, the money collected in exchange for votes may be exhausted within days, but the consequences of electing incompetent leaders can affect citizens for years.
Olatunji reiterated the commission’s commitment to tackling corruption through public enlightenment, stakeholder collaboration and continuous advocacy, noting that preventing electoral malpractice is more effective than prosecuting offenders after the election.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society groups, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, the media and other stakeholders for supporting efforts to ensure a free, fair and credible governorship election.
The ICPC official further urged political parties and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and strictly adhere to the rule of law throughout the electoral process.