INEC COMMENDS ICPC, NSCDC ROLES AHEAD OF OSUN GOVERNORSHIP POLL

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By; Ganiyat Sunmola

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has praised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for its strategic role in curbing vote buying during elections.

She also commended the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its efforts in reducing electoral violence, which she said has contributed to more peaceful election processes.

Babalola made this known on Tuesday in Osogbo during continued courtesy visits to both agencies ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.

She called for stronger intelligence sharing among INEC, ICPC, and other security agencies, stressing that collaboration is essential for credible elections.

Describing ICPC as a key stakeholder in the electoral process, she noted that the commission’s interventions have helped safeguard electoral integrity.

According to her, ICPC’s consistent efforts have contributed significantly to transparency in past elections, adding that its vigilance has been widely recognised.

She explained that vote buying requires both enforcement and public reorientation, urging sustained joint efforts to address it ahead of the polls.

Babalola also encouraged ICPC to continue deploying strategies aimed at tackling both the root causes and practices of vote buying.

She reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to professionalism and credible elections free from corruption and undue influence.

In response, ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Prince Yusuf Olatunji, said INEC remains central to democratic stability, noting that electoral outcomes often attract both commendation and criticism.

He reaffirmed ICPC’s readiness to deepen collaboration with INEC, while warning that vote buying has evolved beyond cash transactions to include the exchange of voter cards for empowerment schemes in some areas.

Olatunji stressed the need for sustained synergy among stakeholders and stronger voter education to curb the menace.

During her visit to the NSCDC, Babalola also praised the corps for its role in safeguarding INEC personnel and materials, describing its support as crucial to peaceful elections in Osun State.

She called for enhanced security deployment before, during, and after the upcoming poll.

NSCDC Commandant in Osun State, Igbalawole Sotiyo, assured INEC of continued support, noting that personnel have consistently been deployed across local government areas, especially during voter registration exercises.

He pledged the corps’ full cooperation with other security agencies, warning that electoral offenders would be prosecuted in line with the law.