The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will deploy undercover financial intelligence officers around polling units during the August 15 Osun State governorship election as part of measures to curb vote buying and other electoral offences.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Thursday in Osogbo while addressing stakeholders at the signing of the Osun Governorship Election Peace Accord.

He said the commission had partnered with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to combat vote trading.

According to him, plainclothes operatives will monitor polling unit environments to detect both cash and electronic vote-buying transactions.

“Anyone attempting to buy or sell votes—whether through physical cash or digital transfers—will be arrested and prosecuted under the Electoral Act 2026,” he warned.

Amupitan said the commission was determined to protect the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that voters cast their ballots without inducement or intimidation.

He also assured political parties that biometric accreditation through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would remain the only means of accreditation, stressing that there would be no manual accreditation.

The INEC chairman urged candidates and their supporters to abide by the Peace Accord and conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

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