Osun Election: INEC seeks stronger ties with ICPC

The Osun State Office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) received a delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during a courtesy visit to the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Prince Olatunji Yusuf.

The INEC delegation, led by the newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, said the visit was aimed at strengthening existing cooperation between both institutions and identifying new ways to work together ahead of upcoming elections in the state. She stressed the importance of joint efforts in ensuring credible and transparent electoral processes.
Mrs. Babalola praised the ICPC for its consistent role in promoting accountability and transparency.

She also highlighted INEC’s continued commitment to conducting elections that are free from manipulation, noting progress in the prosecution of electoral offences such as vote buying, ballot box snatching, and other forms of malpractice. She added that with the Osun governorship election approaching, INEC is seeking stronger collaboration with the ICPC to further enhance electoral integrity.

In response, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Prince Olatunji Yusuf, appreciated the visit and commended INEC’s dedication to improving electoral credibility. He reaffirmed the ICPC’s readiness to continue working with INEC in line with its mandate to fight corruption in all forms.

Prince Yusuf noted that the ICPC remains actively involved in electoral monitoring and observation, particularly in preventing vote buying and other corrupt practices. He recalled the Commission’s involvement in previous elections, including the 2023 general elections, where its officers were deployed nationwide to support compliance and accountability.

He further emphasized that effective prosecution of electoral offenders is essential for deterring misconduct. According to him, stronger collaboration among the ICPC, INEC, security agencies, and the judiciary is necessary to sustain progress and deepen public trust in the electoral system.

The visit ended with the exchange of electoral materials and a group photograph to mark the occasion.