The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Accord Party have been accused of offering between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000 to voters in parts of Osun State ahead of the governorship election.
The allegations, contained in a report by Saturday PUNCH, indicate that the alleged vote-buying began several days before the election, with cash, food items and other materials reportedly distributed to voters in different local government areas.
The development has renewed concerns about vote-buying, voter inducement and the cost of political participation in Nigeria’s elections.
The Bureau Journal has continued to monitor developments around Nigeria’s electoral process, including preparations for the 2027 general elections and recent electoral reforms.
APC, Accord Allegedly Offer Different Amounts
According to the report, voters in several communities said APC agents were offering between ₦15,000 and ₦20,000, while Accord supporters were allegedly offering between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000 depending on the location.
Some voters also alleged that political agents collected account numbers ahead of the election, with plans to transfer money after voting.
The reported inducements were said to have occurred in parts of Ilesa, Osogbo, Iwo, Aiyedire, Ila, Ile-Ife, Ikire, Ede and other areas.
Some of the accounts also alleged that food items, including rice and other household commodities, were distributed alongside cash.
Ilesa Voters Report Alleged ₦20,000 Payments
In Ilesa, residents reportedly told Saturday PUNCH that APC supporters were distributing ₦20,000 to voters across parts of Ilesa East, Ilesa West and Atakunmosa East Local Government Areas.
One voter, who spoke anonymously, claimed that money was distributed from locations associated with political party leaders and that hundreds of people were targeted.
A human rights activist in Ilesa also reportedly alleged that voters were asked to show their voter cards before receiving cash.
There were also claims that Accord supporters were offering ₦10,000 in some parts of the area.
Vote-Buying Allegations Spread to Osogbo and Iwo
In Osogbo, the report alleged that some APC supporters distributed ₦15,000 to selected voters across the city’s wards.
An APC chieftain reportedly described the payments as money for feeding before election day rather than vote-buying.
In Iwo, an APC chieftain was quoted as saying that ₦700,000 was allocated to each polling unit in the local government area, with voters allegedly receiving about ₦15,000 each.
The claim could not independently establish whether the money was ultimately used to influence how voters cast their ballots.
Accord and APC Allegedly Distribute Cash in Other Communities
In Aiyedire Local Government Area, Accord was reportedly accused of distributing ₦10,000 to eligible voters, while similar allegations were made against both parties in Ila.
Residents in Ila reportedly claimed that APC supporters offered ₦15,000 while Accord supporters allegedly offered up to ₦20,000.
In some locations, voters alleged that beneficiaries were asked to swear oaths of allegiance to particular candidates.
Such claims, if established, would raise further concerns about the methods being used to influence voters before an election.
Ile-Ife and Ikire Also Mentioned
In Ile-Ife, a resident of the Hausa community reportedly claimed that APC supporters offered ₦15,000 while Accord allegedly offered ₦10,000.
The resident said voters were asked to present their Permanent Voter Cards before receiving money, although he said members of his group refused to surrender their cards.
In Ikire, residents also reportedly alleged that supporters of both parties were distributing cash, with APC allegedly offering ₦15,000 and Accord ₦10,000 in some areas.
Allegations in Ede
Ede, the hometown of Governor Ademola Adeleke, was also mentioned in the report.
Residents reportedly claimed that Accord had started distributing ₦10,000 to voters weeks before the election, while APC allegedly began offering ₦15,000 several days before the poll.
An APC chieftain reportedly acknowledged the distribution but described it as a response to what he claimed was an earlier cash distribution by Accord supporters.
A viral video also reportedly showed an APC chieftain distributing bags of rice to women while urging them to support the party’s candidate.
Police Warn Against Vote-Buying
The reported allegations came despite warnings from the police against vote-buying and other electoral offences.
Police authorities reportedly warned politicians and voters that anyone caught engaging in vote-buying could be arrested and prosecuted.
The allegations are particularly significant because vote-buying remains one of the issues frequently raised in discussions about the credibility of Nigerian elections. The Bureau Journal’s coverage of Nigeria’s electoral reforms and voter preparation also highlights the need for stronger safeguards against electoral malpractice.
Why Vote-Buying Remains a Concern
Vote-buying can undermine the principle that elections should be determined by voters’ free choices rather than financial inducements.
For voters facing rising living costs, cash offered shortly before an election may appear attractive. However, accepting money does not necessarily guarantee that a candidate will deliver better governance, jobs, infrastructure or public services after winning office.
The controversy also comes at a time when political parties across Nigeria are already preparing for future elections. The Bureau Journal has reported on APC preparations and candidate selection ahead of the 2027 elections, highlighting the increasingly active political environment across the country.
Osun Voters Face a Critical Choice
The allegations place renewed attention on the responsibilities of political parties, candidates, security agencies, electoral officials and voters during the election period.
Political parties have the right to campaign and mobilise supporters, but electoral competition must remain within the boundaries of the law.
Voters, meanwhile, have the responsibility to make their choices freely and protect the secrecy of their ballots.
As the Osun election unfolds, the credibility of the process will depend not only on who eventually wins but also on whether voters are allowed to make their choices without intimidation, coercion or financial pressure.
The Bureau Journal will continue to follow developments from Osun State and provide updates on the election, political activities and other major events shaping Nigeria’s democratic process.
For broader context, readers can also follow our coverage of Nigeria’s 2027 elections and electoral reforms and our wider coverage of political parties and 2027 election preparations.
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