Osun Poll: INEC declares onslaught on vote buying as it takes delivery of non-sensitive materials

By Femi Adesola

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to nip vote buying in the bud, when voting commences during the September 22nd governorship poll in Osun State, adding that some non-sensitive materials have been received from the commission headquarters in Abuja.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Agbaje, made this disclosure in Oshogbo while presenting voters register to the 48 participating political parties in the September 22 Governorship election.

The REC noted that majority of the non-sensitive materials has been received and distributed to the Local government area. He reiterated the commissions’ commitment to collaborate with relevant security agencies in countering voters’ inducement.

Agbaje said “INEC is not pleased with the issue of vote buying particularly as reported by both domestic and international observers during the last Ekiti State  Governorship election and as we speak, efforts are on towards nipping it in the bud, especially during Osun State  governorship election through our targeted and comprehensive voters education program.”

“Political parties’  leaders have a very big role to play if we must eradicate the monster called vote buying that is currently undermining the conduct of credible election in Nigeria.”

“In this regard, the commission more than ever before needs the assistance of everyone particularly politicians especially in the area of ensuring that voters are not induced with money on election day,” Agbaje added.

However, He hinted there will be distribution of PVC to the ward (RA) level between Thursday, 30th August and Sunday 2nd September 2018, while final list of candidate will be published on 23rd of August.