Osun Poll: APC, Accord Accused of Offering Up to ₦20,000 Per Vote

As voters head to the polls for the Osun State governorship election today, August 15, allegations of widespread vote-buying have heightened concerns over the credibility of the electoral process, with the All Progressives Congress and Accord Party accused of offering between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000 to voters.

According to a news report, the alleged vote-buying activities began several days before the election, with cash, food items and other materials reportedly distributed to voters in different parts of the state. Some voters also alleged that political agents collected their bank account details ahead of the poll, with plans to transfer money after voting.

In Ilesa, residents stated that some party agents were allegedly distributing ₦20,000 per voter across Ilesa East, Ilesa West and Atakunmosa East Local Government Areas. The newspaper reported that the alleged distribution took place through designated party chieftains at various polling-unit areas and continued from Tuesday until Friday.

The report further stated that in some communities, the alleged inducements involved food items and cash, with beneficiaries reportedly being asked to make commitments regarding their preferred candidates. Viral videos cited by some media sources also purportedly showed supporters of the two parties distributing cash and other items while urging beneficiaries to support their candidates.

The allegations come as 1,906,390 registered voters who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards are expected to participate in the election. The contest features Accord candidate and incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam and other contenders.

However, the allegations remain claims attributed to voters and other sources and should not be regarded as established facts against any political party without independent verification. Adeleke has previously denied needing vote-buying to win, saying his administration's record would speak for him.

As Osun voters exercise their franchise, stakeholders have continued to call for a peaceful and credible election, urging voters to reject violence, intimidation and electoral malpractice and to freely cast their ballots for candidates of their choice.