Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji have traded accusations over alleged vote-buying schemes involving Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the August 15 election.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke alleged that APC members were running a coordinated operation to purchase PVCs and collect voters’ PINs in a bid to disenfranchise citizens. He warned that the scheme could disrupt voter participation by manipulating voter data and relocating voters from their registered polling units.
The governor called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the allegations, raising concerns about possible internal collusion.
However, Oyebamiji denied the claims, accusing unnamed political actors of offering money to voters in exchange for their PVCs. Speaking at a campaign rally in Osogbo, he urged residents to reject any inducements and safeguard their voting rights.
Oyebamiji also promised inclusive governance and economic support for traders if elected, while warning that recent cash offers to voters were attempts to mislead the public.
Osun voters are set to go to the polls on August 15 to elect a governor. Adeleke is seeking re-election, while Oyebamiji and candidates from other parties, including the African Democratic Congress, are also contesting.
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