The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, has credited the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for progress made in tackling vote buying and election-related violence in the state.

Babalola made the remarks during courtesy visits to the two agencies in Osogbo as preparations intensify for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

She described ICPC as a critical stakeholder in safeguarding electoral integrity, noting that its interventions and public awareness efforts have significantly reduced vote buying in previous elections.

“Through your vigilance and intervention, you have contributed visibly to maintaining transparent and credible elections,” she said, while calling for sustained collaboration and intelligence sharing.

The REC stressed that tackling vote buying requires more than arrests, urging continued voter education and strategies that address its root causes.

In response, ICPC’s Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Yusuf Olatunji, said the agency remained committed to strengthening its partnership with INEC.

He warned that vote buying has evolved beyond cash inducements, alleging that permanent voter cards are sometimes exchanged for empowerment benefits in some communities.

Babalola also commended the NSCDC for its role in securing electoral materials and personnel, describing its contributions as vital to peaceful elections in the state.

The Osun NSCDC Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, assured INEC of continued support, noting that the corps has deployed personnel across local government areas, including during the recent voter registration exercise.

He said additional reinforcements would be mobilised ahead of the governorship poll, warning that any breach of the Electoral Act would be met with legal action.