INEC Raises Alarm Over Vote Buying as Osun 2026 Polls Approach

The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a renewed warning against electoral malpractice, calling for stronger cooperation among political actors, civil society, and religious institutions to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

According to credible sources, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal while speaking to journalists after participating in a political broadcast in Ibadan, Oyo State. He highlighted growing concerns over vote buying and politically motivated violence, warning that no single agency can tackle these issues in isolation.

Agboke stressed that the electoral body remains committed to curbing unethical practices such as vote buying, but emphasized that continuous stakeholder engagement remains crucial. He noted that democracy must be safeguarded through collective action, with each sector playing its part in protecting the electoral process.

He criticized the tendency of some political players to rely on financial inducement and violence to gain an advantage during elections, stating that the public must be educated to resist such tactics. He called on Nigerians to vote based on conscience rather than material enticement, acknowledging that poverty and deprivation may tempt some individuals, but insisting that the sanctity of the vote must be preserved.

The commissioner urged religious leaders and community influencers to take more active roles in political education, urging them not to remain passive in the face of election-related challenges. He stated that the media, civil society organisations, security operatives, and the political class all bear responsibility for ensuring free and fair elections.

In reference to the 2026 Osun State governorship election, Agboke reaffirmed that the commission has clearly defined regulations and expects all staff to comply strictly. He advised that any official who deliberately hinders the electoral process—particularly through tampering with sensitive technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System—should be promptly reported to security agencies.

He added that efforts must continue to educate the electorate on how to identify irregularities and respond appropriately, rather than resorting to violence or despair.