Abuja: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned against vote buying and selling ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election. The commission said anyone caught engaging in the act would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in Osun, Mr. Yusuf Olatunji, gave the warning during an awareness rally against vote buying and selling on Thursday in Osogbo. The rally was themed ‘My Vote, My Future: Reject Vote Buying, Protect Democracy.’ Olatunji stated that the commission would deploy adequate personnel across the 30 local government areas of the state to monitor and curb the practice.
Olatunji urged the electorate to recognise the value of their votes and resist any attempt to trade them for temporary gains. He encouraged voters to let their votes reflect their conscience and vision for a better state, emphasizing that votes are priceless, democracy is sacred, and the future must not be sold.
He pointed out that while vote trading might offer temporary financial relief, it has long-term negative consequences for governance and development, transforming leadership into a transaction rather than a mandate. The outcome could result in poor governance, unfulfilled promises, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.
Olatunji further explained that the money collected for votes may be spent within days, but the impact of electing the wrong leaders could last for years, affecting quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment opportunities, and sustainable development.
He affirmed the ICPC’s commitment to combating corruption through public enlightenment, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained advocacy, noting that prevention is more effective than prosecution. He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, the media, and other stakeholders for their commitment to credible elections in the state.
Olatunji also urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law, stressing that elections should be contests of ideas, policies, competence, and character, not contests of financial inducement.