Osun 2026: APC, Accord Accused of Alleged Vote Buying, Offering Voters ₦10,000–₦20,000

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party have been accused of allegedly engaging in vote buying across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

According to some observers, agents allegedly linked to the two parties offered some voters between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000, alongside food items and other inducements, in exchange for their support.

The alleged vote-buying activities reportedly began about six days before the election, with some voters claiming that party agents had collected their bank account details ahead of the poll, with plans to transfer money to them after they voted.

The development has raised concerns among election observers and stakeholders over the integrity of the electoral process and the ability of voters to freely exercise their franchise.

Findings furtherindicated that the alleged distribution of cash commenced between Monday and Tuesday in some communities across the state.

In some instances, the alleged inducements reportedly included food items and cash gifts. Some beneficiaries also claimed that they were made to swear oaths to support the candidate of the party providing the items.

The allegations could not independently establish whether the reported payments were authorised by the leadership of either party.

The governorship election features 13 candidates, including the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke; APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji; and African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had indicated that 1,906,390 registered voters who collected their Permanent Voter Cards are eligible to participate in the election.

The allegations of vote buying come amid renewed calls by electoral stakeholders for voters to reject inducements and for security and electoral authorities to ensure that the election is conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.

Source: PUNCH