Salawu Mustapha, the Social Democratic Party candidate for the August 15 Osun State governorship election, has leveled accusations of vote-buying against Governor Ademola Adeleke. Mustapha alleged that agents linked to the Accord Party, acting on behalf of the governor, are distributing N10,000 to citizens to secure their support.
Mustapha criticized these actions, asserting that candidates who enjoy genuine public support do not need to purchase votes. He specifically pointed to unbudgeted financial disbursements made by the state government shortly before the election, such as a N20,000 payment to civil servants and an allowance hike for National Youth Service Corps members from N5,000 to N20,000.
The candidate described these payments as a calculated effort to influence the electorate rather than legitimate governance. Furthermore, Mustapha challenged the administration’s economic management, citing concerns over state funding and suggesting the EFCC may still investigate past financial conduct. While he provided no concrete proof for these claims, he urged Osun residents to reject cash-for-vote tactics and promised that an SDP-led government would offer accountability and transparency to resolve the state’s economic struggles.
