Key Takeaways
- The APC has requested a thorough investigation into allegations of vote buying in Osun State.
- Claims have surfaced about the government soliciting bank details from residents for N20,000 payments.
- Governor Adeleke's administration defends the payments as palliative measures for civil servants.
By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo - The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a strong stance against the current government, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of vote buying involving state resources ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the APC campaign council’s Media Committee Chairman, Remi Omowaye, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration of employing public funds to sway voters.
Omowaye claimed the state government has launched a “widespread vote-buying scheme,” urging citizens to provide their bank account details in exchange for N20,000 payments. This initiative is seen by the APC as a blatant attempt to manipulate the electorate for political gain.
“It is deeply disheartening that the Osun State Government has officially commenced a widespread vote-buying scheme. The administration is systematically requesting citizens to submit their bank account details to receive a political inducement of N20,000,” he articulated.
The APC spokesman further criticized the timing of these payments, stating they coincide with unpaid deductions and pension contributions for some workers, branding the scheme as “criminal.” He urged residents to remain alert and resist attempts designed to undermine their electoral choices.
Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, responded to these allegations, asserting that the payments are part of the state government’s efforts to provide palliative support to civil servants. Rasheed emphasized that these payments are periodic and aimed at improving workers' welfare, a commitment that predates the new minimum wage implementation.
“As part of our commitment to civil servants of Osun State, the backbone of our administration, we have once again disbursed palliatives to augment their salaries,” Rasheed stated. “Notably, we commenced periodic palliative payments even before implementing the new minimum wage increase, which positioned Osun as one of the first states in the federation to do so.”
He further criticized the previous administration's neglect regarding workers’ welfare and reiterated the current government’s dedication to enhancing public sector morale and service delivery through the palliative program.
Why This Matters
The allegations of vote buying, if proven true, could have significant implications for the integrity of the upcoming elections in Osun State. As political tensions rise, both parties must navigate the fine line between legitimate support initiatives and unethical electoral practices.