The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, has attributed the success recorded in the fight against vote buying to the strategic role played by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
She also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in curbing election violence and ensuring peaceful electoral processes in the state.
Babalola made the remarks during courtesy visits to the two agencies in Osogbo as part of preparations for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
She appealed for enhanced intelligence sharing between INEC and the agencies, stressing the importance of collaboration in delivering credible polls.
Describing the ICPC as a critical stakeholder in the electoral process, Babalola noted that its efforts in safeguarding the integrity of elections have been visible and widely acknowledged.
“Through your vigilance and intervention, you have contributed visibly to maintaining transparent and credible elections,” she said.
The REC stated that the anti-corruption agency had been at the forefront of combating vote buying through various initiatives that have significantly reduced the practice.
“We believe that vote buying requires reorientation and not just arrests. As we prepare for the next governorship election, it is important to stress that the fight against vote buying is a collective effort,” she added.
She urged sustained collaboration, calling on the ICPC to deploy more strategies that address both the root causes and manifestations of vote buying in the electoral system.
Responding, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Prince Yusuf Olatunji, said credible elections remain the bedrock of democracy and acknowledged INEC’s central role in the process.
He observed that the commission often faces both commendation and criticism depending on election outcomes, but assured that the ICPC would continue to strengthen its partnership with INEC.
Olatunji alleged that vote buying now extends beyond direct cash transactions, claiming that permanent voter cards are being traded for empowerment schemes in some local government areas.
“Vote buying starts long before election day. We need to do our best, and there must be synergy among stakeholders,” he said, urging intensified public enlightenment campaigns.
During her visit to the NSCDC, Babalola commended the corps for its strategic role in protecting INEC personnel and materials, which she said has contributed to maintaining peace in the electoral space.
“Your agency has demonstrated outstanding responsibility in protecting INEC materials and personnel, thereby ensuring a peaceful atmosphere within the electoral space in Osun,” she said.
She called for increased collaboration and stronger security coverage of INEC facilities before, during and after the forthcoming governorship poll.
In his response, the Osun State Commandant of the NSCDC, Igbalawole Sotiyo, assured the commission of continued cooperation, noting that the corps had consistently deployed personnel to INEC offices across the 30 local government areas, particularly during the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
He added that the NSCDC headquarters was ready to reinforce the Osun Command and work with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free election.
“Be rest assured that the NSCDC will give you maximum support to ensure that the coming election is hitch-free,” he said, warning that anyone who contravenes the Electoral Act would face the full weight of the law.
