Osun Governorship Election: APC, Accord Party Accused of Widespread Vote-Buying

• The Osun governorship election has been marred by allegations of widespread vote-buying.
• Both the APC and Accord Party have been accused of engaging in the practice, with agents offering voters between N10,000 and N20,000.
• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dragged President Bola Tinubu to court over an alleged forged NYSC certificate submitted to INEC.
• A related petition was submitted to the European Commission in Brussels, alleging that INEC documents were forged.

The allegations of vote-buying are not the only controversy surrounding the Osun governorship election.

The Osun governorship election has been marred by allegations of widespread vote-buying, with both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Accord Party accused of engaging in the practice. According to reports, agents affiliated with these parties have been offering voters between N10,000 and N20,000, as well as food items, in exchange for their votes. This inducement has reportedly begun days before the poll, with some beneficiaries asked to swear oaths of allegiance. The police have warned against this practice, while soldiers have been deployed amid reports of killings and rising tension.

The allegations of vote-buying are not the only controversy surrounding the Osun governorship election. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dragged President Bola Tinubu to the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking his disqualification from the 2027 presidential election over an alleged forged NYSC certificate submitted to INEC. Additionally, a related petition was submitted to the European Commission in Brussels, alleging that INEC documents were forged. These developments have significant implications for the electoral process and the candidates involved.

The allegations of vote-buying and the controversy surrounding INEC documents have far-reaching implications for the Osun governorship election. Lawyers advising clients on the election should be aware of these developments, as they could lead to disqualification or other electoral consequences. Moreover, the deployment of soldiers amid reports of killings and rising tension raises concerns about the safety and security of voters. As the election unfolds, it is essential to monitor these developments closely and ensure that the electoral process is fair and transparent.

Lawyers advising clients on the Osun governorship election should be aware of the allegations of vote-buying and ensure their clients are not involved in any such activities, as this could lead to disqualification or other electoral consequences.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers