Vote Buying or Democratic Responsibility? What Oyebamiji’s Appeal Means for Osun’s Governorship Election

Akahi News learnt that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 15 August 2026 Osun State governorship election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has appealed to voters not to sell their votes, urging them instead to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to elect leaders based on competence and integrity. He made the appeal during a meeting with leaders and members of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria in Osogbo, stressing that the ballot should not be commercialised.

Akahi News gathered that Oyebamiji described the PVC as a constitutional instrument through which citizens determine who governs them, arguing that exchanging votes for money undermines both democracy and good governance. He urged the electorate to support his candidacy, promising to provide purposeful leadership if elected governor.

What Exactly Has Changed

Although the statement came from a political candidate seeking office, it touches on one of Nigeria’s most persistent electoral challenges—vote buying and vote selling.

The appeal itself reflects growing public awareness that elections should be determined by informed choices rather than financial inducements. Over recent election cycles, concerns about vote trading have featured prominently in reports by election observers, civil society organisations and electoral stakeholders. While politicians often call on voters to reject inducements, the responsibility for ensuring credible elections extends beyond campaign rhetoric.

Vote buying is not simply an electoral offence; it weakens democratic accountability. When elections become commercial transactions, elected officials may feel less accountable to citizens after assuming office because political support was secured through financial incentives rather than confidence in policies or performance.

However, responsibility does not rest solely with voters. Political actors must equally avoid offering financial inducements, gifts or other incentives intended to influence electoral choices. Calls against vote selling become more credible when accompanied by strict adherence to lawful campaign practices and respect for electoral rules by all parties.

The issue also highlights broader socio-economic realities. Poverty, unemployment and economic hardship often make vulnerable citizens more susceptible to inducements during elections. Addressing vote buying therefore requires not only stronger law enforcement but also long-term improvements in economic opportunities and civic education.

For Osun State, where political competition is expected to be intense ahead of the August governorship election, maintaining peaceful campaigns and protecting the integrity of the ballot will be essential. The credibility of the election will ultimately depend on the conduct of political parties, the vigilance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the electorate themselves.

Ultimately, democracy is strongest when voters exercise their constitutional rights freely, without intimidation or financial influence. Regardless of political affiliation, every candidate should be judged on ideas, competence, character and their ability to deliver effective governance rather than on material inducements.

Five Things Every Nigerian Should Know

1. Votes are constitutional rights. A ballot is an expression of the people’s sovereign will, not a commodity for sale.
2. Vote buying undermines democracy. It weakens accountability and can reduce pressure on elected officials to perform.
3. Political parties share responsibility. Candidates and supporters must avoid practices that encourage electoral inducement.
4. Economic hardship fuels vulnerability. Poverty can increase the temptation to exchange votes for immediate financial gain.
5. Credible elections require collective action. Voters, political parties, INEC, security agencies and civil society all have important roles.

Reflective Questions Worth Sitting With

i. Why does vote buying remain a recurring feature of many elections despite legal prohibitions?

ii. How can citizens resist electoral inducements during periods of economic hardship?

iii. What additional measures should political parties adopt to discourage vote buying among their supporters?

iv. How can civic education strengthen democratic participation before elections?

v. Are existing penalties for electoral offences sufficient to deter vote buying and vote selling?

vi. What kind of leadership emerges when elections are decided by money rather than merit?

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i. Political parties should publicly commit to issue-based campaigns free from vote buying and other electoral offences.

ii. INEC should intensify voter education on the legal and democratic consequences of vote trading.

iii. Security agencies should enforce electoral laws impartially against both those who offer and those who solicit inducements.

iv. Civil society organisations should expand grassroots awareness campaigns ahead of the Osun governorship election.

v. Religious and traditional leaders should encourage citizens to vote according to conscience and the public interest.

vi. Voters should assess candidates based on competence, integrity, policies and their capacity to deliver sustainable development rather than immediate material benefits.

Questions And Answers: Breaking Down the Development

Who is affected?

i. Registered voters in Osun State.

ii. Governorship candidates and political parties.

iii. INEC and election observers.

iv. Security agencies responsible for election security.

v. The wider democratic process in Nigeria.

What happened?

i. APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji appealed to voters not to sell their votes.

ii. He urged citizens to use their PVCs responsibly.

iii. The appeal was made during a meeting with the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society in Osogbo.

iv. He encouraged voters to support his candidacy in the forthcoming election.

When did it happen?

i. The appeal was made on 5 July 2026.

ii. It comes ahead of the 15 August 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Where did it happen?

i. Osogbo, Osun State.

ii. During an engagement with members of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.

Why is this important?

i. It highlights the continuing challenge of vote buying in Nigerian elections.

ii. It encourages citizens to protect the integrity of their votes.

iii. It draws attention to the need for free, fair and credible elections.

iv. It reinforces the importance of democratic accountability and civic responsibility.

How will it proceed?

i. Political campaigns are expected to continue until the election period.

ii. INEC and security agencies will oversee preparations for the governorship poll.

iii. Voter education efforts are expected to intensify ahead of election day.

iv. Ultimately, the credibility of the election will depend on compliance with electoral laws by political actors and the electorate alike.