The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, has credited the progress made in curbing vote buying to the strategic efforts of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
She also recognized the role of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in reducing election-related violence, which has helped ensure more peaceful electoral processes.
Mrs. Babalola made these remarks on Tuesday in Osogbo during her ongoing courtesy visits to both agencies.
She called for stronger intelligence sharing between INEC and the agencies as preparations intensify for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Describing the ICPC as a key stakeholder in the electoral process, Mrs. Babalola noted that its role in safeguarding election integrity remains evident and widely acknowledged.
She emphasized that the commission is fully aware of ICPC’s contributions to the success of past elections, adding, “Through your vigilance and intervention, you have played a visible role in sustaining transparent and credible elections.”
The REC further stated that the ICPC has been at the forefront of efforts to combat vote buying through various initiatives, which have significantly reduced the practice.
menace.
“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 said.
She urged sustained collaboration, stating, “In this regard, we ask for more collaboration between INEC and ICPC. We encourage ICPC to continue to deploy strategies that will address both the root causes and manifestations of vote buying in our electoral process.”
Mrs Babalola assured that INEC remained committed to upholding professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional mandate to ensure credible and corruption-free elections.
Responding, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Prince Yusuf Olatunji, acknowledged that INEC plays a vital role, stressing that credible elections are the bedrock of democracy.
He noted that INEC often receives both praise and criticism depending on electoral outcomes, adding that the ICPC remained committed to strengthening its partnership with the electoral body.
Olatunji disclosed that vote buying extends beyond direct monetary exchange, alleging that permanent voter cards were being traded for empowerment schemes in some local government areas of the state.
“Vote buying starts long before election day. We need to do our best, and there must be synergy among stakeholders,” he said, urging INEC to intensify public enlightenment campaigns.
During her visit to the NSCDC, Mrs Babalola commended the corps for its strategic role in election activities, stating that its relevance and contributions could not be underestimated.
“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 enhanced security coverage of INEC facilities before, during and after the August 15, 2026 poll.
In his response, the Osun State Commandant of the NSCDC, Igbalawole Sotiyo, said the corps had consistently partnered with INEC by deploying personnel to offices across the 30 local government areas, particularly during the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
He assured the REC of continued cooperation, noting that the NSCDC, as an institution rooted in democratic principles, fully understands the importance of credible elections.
Sotiyo added that the NSCDC national headquarters was prepared to reinforce the Osun Command and collaborate with other security agencies ahead of the poll.
“Be rest assured that the NSCDC will give you maximum support to ensure that the coming election is hitch-free,” he said, warning that any individual or group that contravenes the Electoral Act would face the full weight of the law.