Yiaga Africa on Thursday called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to prevent vote-buying before and during Saturday’s governorship election in Osun state.

The group, in a statement by Asmau Maikudi, Yiaga’s Election Observation Mission chairman, called on the anti-corruption agencies to prosecute anyone suspected of such misconduct.

“Yiaga Africa calls for better coordination with EFCC and ICPC in making arrests of political party leaders, agents and anyone attempting to buy votes before the election and on election day,” the statement said.

The election observation group equally expressed concern over the rise in “incendiary rhetoric and hate speech from political actors” in the lead-up to the state’s off-cycle governorship election.

Yiaga Africa noted that provocative statements “could inflame tensions and undermine public confidence” in the election.

The organisation also called for the deployment of security operatives to polling centres and other areas in the state “based on intelligence, coordination and strict impartiality”.

“Protect voters, election personnel, facilities and materials. Investigate and prosecute electoral violence, threats and hate speech without regard to political status or party affiliation,” the organisation said.