As preparations gather pace for the Osun State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to the media to support efforts aimed at curbing vote buying.

Speaking during a Media Stakeholders’ Forum in Osogbo, INEC noted that the practice remains a major challenge to the credibility of elections. The Commission urged journalists to go beyond routine reporting by investigating and exposing incidents of vote trading.

INEC said media reports backed with credible evidence would assist security and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS), in identifying and prosecuting those involved in electoral malpractice.

The Commission encouraged journalists to document key details such as the identities of suspects, locations where vote buying occurs, the sums exchanged, and the methods used to influence voters.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, INEC warned that vote buying is a punishable offence under the Electoral Act 2026. It stated that offenders risk a minimum fine of ₦5 million, a prison term of up to two years, or both, in addition to being barred from contesting public office for 10 years upon conviction.

The Commission expressed confidence that collaboration with the media and other stakeholders would help promote a free, fair, and transparent governorship election in Osun State. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.