APC, Accord Spent Over N100bn on Osun Governorship Election

Massive Spending Allegedly Characterised Osun Poll

A report has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party spent more than N100 billion during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, far exceeding the N3 billion campaign spending limit prescribed by the Electoral Act 2026.

The election was won by Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, who secured 511,067 votes, defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

Billions Spent on Agents, Canvassers and Election Operations

According to findings, both major parties deployed substantial funds to cover party agents, canvassers, ward officials, security personnel and other election-related logistics across the state’s 3,763 polling units.

Party agents reportedly received significant payments, while ward collation officers and canvassers were also compensated. Security personnel deployed to polling units were allegedly given cash incentives by political actors, with additional payments reportedly made by the state government.

The report further claimed that billions of naira were spent on election mobilisation activities and operational support throughout the state.

Allegations of Widespread Vote Buying

A large portion of the expenditure was reportedly linked to vote-buying activities. Sources alleged that both parties targeted voters with cash payments before and during the election.

The APC was accused of allocating substantial sums for voter inducement, while Accord was also alleged to have distributed large amounts to canvassers and supporters for mobilisation purposes.

Some polling units reportedly witnessed unusually high cash offers to voters, with claims that payments varied across locations.

Electoral Officers Allegedly Received Cash Incentives

The report also alleged that electoral personnel received financial inducements from political actors during the election.

Sources claimed that electoral teams and security officials stationed at polling units were given cash payments, although the exact amounts remain disputed.

Electoral Act Spending Limit Raised

Section 92(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 places a N3 billion spending limit on governorship candidates. If the allegations are proven, the reported expenditure would significantly exceed the legal threshold.

Civil society organisations have called for investigations into the claims, arguing that any breach of campaign finance regulations should attract appropriate sanctions under the law.

Parties Trade Blame Over Election Funding

The issue of election funding has generated intense debate since the conclusion of the poll.

Supporters of Governor Adeleke alleged that the APC deployed enormous financial resources during the election, while APC officials dismissed the accusations and demanded evidence to support the claims.

Similarly, opposition figures have accused the Accord Party of spending billions of naira during the campaign, allegations the party has denied.

With conflicting claims from both sides, calls for greater transparency in campaign financing and stricter enforcement of electoral laws continue to dominate discussions following the Osun governorship election.