The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has confirmed that nine individuals arrested for vote buying in the state have been successfully prosecuted and convicted.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mutiu Agboke, disclosed this on Monday while speaking during a radio programme in Osogbo.
He said the convictions underscore the commission’s determination to curb electoral malpractice and uphold the integrity of elections in the state.
Agboke noted that INEC is intensifying preparations to ensure a free, fair and credible governorship election later in the year, stressing that institutional efforts alone would not suffice without the active cooperation of key stakeholders.
According to him, political parties, civil society groups, the media and the electorate all have crucial roles to play in guaranteeing a successful poll.
He specifically cautioned political parties and their supporters to strictly comply with INEC’s rules and guidelines, warning that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process would be met with decisive action in line with the law.
On the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the REC said INEC has upgraded its registration infrastructure to block double or multiple registrations.
He added that anyone found attempting to manipulate the system would be arrested and prosecuted, describing voter register integrity as central to credible elections.
Agboke also appealed to journalists and media organisations in the state to exercise professionalism and restraint, particularly in the handling of sensitive electoral information. He urged reporters to verify facts with INEC before publication, noting that misinformation could undermine public trust and fuel unnecessary tension.
To strengthen engagement with the press, he said all media practitioners in the state have been added to a WhatsApp platform managed by the commission’s spokesperson, Musa Olurode, to provide timely updates on INEC’s activities.
However, the REC warned that the commission would not hesitate to pursue legal action against any journalist or media outlet that publishes defamatory or false reports about INEC without proper verification, emphasising that accountability applies to all stakeholders in the electoral process.