Osun Governorship Election: Election observer Warns Against Impunity, Vote Buying

An election observer, Victor Agi, has cautioned that the failure of security agencies to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of electoral violence and vote buying could erode public confidence in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

Agi gave the warning while speaking on Issues That Matter, a current affairs programme on City Mirror TV, Osogbo, where he expressed concern over recurring incidents of violence at political rallies without corresponding arrests or prosecutions.

According to him, the continued lack of accountability has strengthened public perception that security agencies may not be acting impartially ahead of the election.

“I cannot personally conclude that the police are biased, but the concerns are understandable because we have seen campaign rallies disrupted without anyone being arrested. When electoral offences go unpunished, it gives weight to allegations that security agencies are not neutral,” he said.

The election observer identified vote buying and insecurity as the greatest threats to the credibility of the governorship poll, noting that politicians have increasingly embraced more sophisticated forms of electoral malpractice following the introduction of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

He explained that while technological innovations have significantly reduced ballot box snatching, politicians have shifted attention to influencing voters through financial inducements.

“The Electoral Act criminalises vote buying, yet despite the presence of security personnel at polling units, we rarely hear of anyone being arrested or prosecuted for the offence,” Agi stated.

Describing vote buying as the “weaponisation of poverty,” he urged law enforcement agencies to enforce electoral laws without fear or favour.

Agi also warned that increasing incidents of political violence could discourage eligible voters from participating in the election.

“No one wants to cast a vote if they believe their life is at risk. When fear keeps people away from the polls, voter turnout declines, making it easier for desperate politicians to manipulate the electoral process,” he said.

While acknowledging that election periods in Nigeria are often marked by heightened political tension, he observed that election day itself is usually more peaceful than many citizens expect.

He therefore encouraged residents of Osun State not to allow fear or intimidation to prevent them from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

The election observer further urged voters to base their decisions on the performance, competence and vision of candidates rather than political affiliations, ethnic sentiments or personal loyalties.

“They should reflect on the condition of schools, roads and other critical infrastructure, and honestly assess whether the current administration deserves another mandate. Their decision should be driven by the future they want for Osun State, not party loyalty or where a candidate comes from,” he said.

Agi also called on security agencies to prioritise the protection of lives and property before, during and after the election, stressing that creating a secure environment remains essential to a credible democratic process.

He equally appealed to voters to reject vote buying, insisting that their votes should reflect their aspirations for the state rather than temporary financial gains.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consolidate on the progress recorded in previous elections by ensuring that the August 15 governorship election is peaceful, transparent, free and credible.

“The security agencies must provide adequate protection, INEC must continue strengthening the electoral process, and citizens must refuse to sell their votes. Those three elements are essential for delivering a credible election,” Agi said.