OSUN POLL: EXPERTS FLAG TRACKING HURDLES AS INEC PROBES N100BN SPENDING

Experts have raised concerns about the difficulty of accurately tracking campaign expenditure as the Independent National Electoral Commission investigates allegations that the All Progressives Congress and Accord spent more than ₦100 billion during the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The allegations were contained in a report examining spending on vote buying, campaign materials, party agents, canvassers, security personnel and electoral officers.

Under the Electoral Act 2026, a governorship candidate is limited to ₦3 billion in election expenses, making the reported figures significantly higher than the statutory threshold.

INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna said the commission would not rely solely on the reported calculations and would conduct its own assessment to establish the facts before determining whether any electoral laws were breached.

Former and serving Resident Electoral Commissioners, however, said determining the exact amount spent during an election could be difficult because much of the expenditure may not be formally documented.

Former Zamfara REC Asmau Maikudi said INEC had mechanisms for monitoring political parties' expenditure but stressed the importance of enforcing the spending limits prescribed by law.

She also condemned vote buying, describing it as illegal and calling for stronger prosecution of electoral offenders.

Former REC Professor Sam Egwu similarly questioned how authorities could reliably verify the actual amount spent, saying a credible assessment would require clear evidence and a scientifically sound methodology.

The Oyo State REC, Adeniran Tella, said electoral spending limits were clearly established by law but noted that determining the precise amount spent by parties in another state could be challenging.

The debate comes after Ademola Adeleke of Accord won the Osun governorship election with 511,067 votes, defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

INEC's investigation is expected to determine whether the allegations are supported by sufficient evidence and whether any candidates or political parties breached the prescribed spending limits.

Experts called for stronger monitoring systems, better documentation of campaign expenditure and effective prosecution of electoral offences to improve transparency and protect the integrity of future elections.