The photograph making the rounds, showing ₦1,000 notes inside an envelope bearing the inscription “Compliments of AMB Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji,” has raised fresh questions about alleged vote-buying ahead of the Osun governorship election.
While the photograph alone does not establish when, where, or why the money was distributed, the circumstances surrounding it deserve public scrutiny. If the money was indeed distributed to voters as an inducement to influence their votes, then it would represent a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process.
According to accounts emerging, some individuals allegedly linked to AMBO have been distributing money while disguising themselves as supporters of the Imole movement. Witnesses reportedly heard some recipients and persons around the distribution points shouting “Imole” as the money was being shared.
I am calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged distribution of money by persons linked to the Osun APC.
Elections should be about ideas, programmes, competence, and the confidence of the people — not the highest amount of cash placed in an envelope.
Osun people must not sell their future.
The people of Osun must also be reminded that ₦1,000, or any temporary financial inducement, cannot be worth four years of poor governance, hardship, or regret.
Our people should not allow greed to determine their political choices. As the saying goes, “Let them not, because of greed, return to Egypt.”
Osun voters should look beyond the money being offered today and ask themselves what kind of leadership they want for tomorrow.
An election should be about competence, accountability, development, and the future of the people — not envelopes of cash.
The ballot belongs to the people. No amount of money should be allowed to purchase the future of Osun.
Signed:
Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and Judicial Reform
