Ogun Residents Warned by SAN, INEC Against Vote-Buying for 2027 Polls

Kunle Kalejaye, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and leader of the Ilese Development Council, has implored residents of Ilese and surrounding areas in Ogun State to reject the practice of vote-buying and actively engage in the democratic process. He emphasized that the ballot remains the most effective tool for demanding accountability from leaders. Kalejaye delivered this message on Saturday during a Voters’ Education Summit, organized by the Ilese Development Council under the theme, “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation.” The senior legal practitioner advised citizens to grasp the significance of their votes and to resist any attempts to trade them for monetary or material incentives.

He stated, “The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance. Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity and their commitment to serving the people.” Kalejaye further described voting as a crucial civic duty, highlighting it as the most dependable method for electing trustworthy leaders and ensuring public office holders are held responsible. He also encouraged all qualified individuals to register as voters, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and actively participate in elections to influence the trajectory of their communities and the nation at large.

The summit served as a gathering point for various stakeholders, including community leaders, electoral officials, security personnel, youth organizations, and women’s groups, all convened to champion voter registration and foster broader political engagement.

Representing the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Feyijimi Ibiyemi, Mr. Joseph Omotiloye, who is the Head of Operations at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, addressed the attendees. He underscored the fundamental importance of voter registration as the bedrock of democratic governance. Omotiloye appealed to all eligible Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards, and engage fully in the electoral process.

Similarly, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, whose remarks were delivered by ACP Yusuf Wasiu, the Area Commander for the Nigeria Police Force in the Ijebu Area Command, guaranteed residents of robust security arrangements before, during, and after elections. He advised citizens not to let fear or intimidation deter them from exercising their constitutional rights, affirming that the police force would maintain professionalism and impartiality in safeguarding voters, electoral officials, and election materials.

Attendees received comprehensive education on various topics, including the procedures for voter registration, the critical need to protect their Permanent Voter Cards, and the imperative to reject vote-buying, electoral violence, and all other forms of electoral malpractice.

The summit concluded with a renewed pledge from community leaders and participants alike. They committed to mobilizing eligible residents across Ilese and its surrounding areas to register, collect their PVCs, and thereby fortify Nigeria’s democracy through well-informed political involvement.