The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced the deployment of its operatives to all 30 local government areas of Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning that anyone involved in vote buying or vote selling will face prosecution.

The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Osun State, Yusuf Olatunji, disclosed the plan during a street rally against vote buying held in Osogbo. The awareness campaign featured ICPC officials, Independent National Electoral Commission personnel, National Youth Service Corps members, with participants educating residents on the dangers of electoral corruption through public sensitisation and distribution of informational materials.

Olatunji said the commission had made adequate arrangements to monitor the election across all local government areas, stressing that both those who offer money for votes and those who accept inducements are liable to arrest and prosecution under Nigerian law. He urged voters to resist financial inducements and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

The ICPC warned that vote trading undermines democracy by encouraging poor leadership, weakening public confidence in governance, denying citizens the benefits of quality public services. It noted that the temporary gains from selling votes cannot compare with the long-term consequences of electing incompetent leaders.

The commission appealed to residents to participate responsibly in the election and reject every form of electoral malpractice, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a credible, transparent and corruption-free governorship poll in Osun State.