The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party have been accused of allegedly distributing cash and food items to voters across parts of Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
According to reports, the alleged inducement began several days before the poll, with voters reportedly receiving between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000, depending on the location and party involved.
In some communities, party supporters were also accused of distributing items such as rice and salt alongside cash, while beneficiaries in certain areas were allegedly asked to swear oaths of loyalty before receiving the money.
The development has renewed concerns over the credibility of the election, even as security agencies have warned that anyone involved in vote-buying or vote-selling could be arrested and prosecuted.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is seeking another term in office and faces the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other candidates.
A total of 1,906,390 registered voters who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards are expected to participate in the election.
APC Allegedly Shares ₦20,000
In parts of Ilesa, voters reportedly told Saturday PUNCH that APC agents distributed ₦20,000 to eligible voters across Ilesa East, Ilesa West and Atakunmosa East Local Government Areas.
One voter, who spoke anonymously, claimed he received the money at the Bonnke area of Ilesa.
“I collected my ₦20,000 at the Bonnke area of Ilesa on Wednesday. The cash was in ₦1,000 and ₦500 denominations. We had over 200 voters, and it was done unit by unit,” he said.
The voter added that the money was distributed from a building allegedly belonging to an APC chieftain in the area.
A human rights activist in Ilesa also alleged that similar payments took place in other locations.
“At the Coca-Cola area, people were given ₦20,000 each at one particular storey building. But you have to show your voter card before being paid,” the activist claimed.
He further alleged that APC members distributed the same amount at Abiola Avenue.
“At Abiola Avenue, APC members gave ₦20,000 to each voter. I was there. The storey building where the money was shared belongs to an APC leader in the area,” he added.
Rice, Cash Allegedly Distributed
Similar allegations were reported in Iroye and Imo, where APC supporters were accused of sharing rice and cash with residents.
A student leader in Iroye told PUNCH that he witnessed the distribution but could not confirm the amount of money given to beneficiaries.
“I saw them. They are APC supporters. They provided money and rice, but I don’t know the exact amount they were distributing,” he said.
The student leader also alleged that beneficiaries were warned against failing to support the APC candidate after accepting the items.
“They were cursing the beneficiaries, saying it would not be well with them if they failed to vote for AMBO after collecting the money,” he claimed.
Accord Accused Of Sharing ₦10,000
The Accord Party was also accused of distributing cash in several communities.
Reports indicated that voters in Olowu Village, Atakunmosa East, allegedly received ₦10,000, with beneficiaries reportedly asked to swear an oath of allegiance.
Similar allegations were made in Ifofin, Iloro and Okesa areas of Ilesa, where the party was said to have distributed ₦10,000 to voters from Tuesday.
However, an APC chieftain in Ilesa West denied that the party was engaging in vote-buying.
He argued that the money was intended to assist voters with transportation rather than influence their choice at the polling booth.
“We are not buying votes. We only provided them with cash to transport themselves to their various polling units,” he said.
The allegations come amid heightened political tension in Osun, with authorities warning political parties, candidates and voters against actions capable of undermining the credibility of the governorship election.
As voters head to the polls, attention will remain on the ability of security agencies and electoral officials to prevent inducement and ensure that the outcome reflects the genuine choice of the electorate.
