Members of the All Progressives Congress have attracted reactions online after videos showed them distributing bags of rice and bread to residents in Osun State.
The distribution took place ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state. The videos circulating on social media showed APC members sharing branded bags of rice with residents in different locations.
In one of the clips, the distributors told residents that the food items came from the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO. They also asked the residents to collect the items and support Oyebamiji in Saturday’s election.
APC members distribute rice, bread
The footage showed residents gathering around the party members during the distribution. The distributors called on people to form lines before collecting the food items.
They also urged the recipients to vote for the APC candidate during the election. The development comes days after another video showed APC campaign members distributing branded loaves of bread to residents in Osogbo.
The bread reportedly carried the inscription, “Bola Oyebamiji As Governor.” The distribution has since generated debate among residents and social media users.
Distribution sparks reactions online
Some critics have questioned the decision to distribute food items during the election campaign. They argued that rice and bread cannot address the wider economic challenges facing residents beyond the election period. Some described the practice as “weaponised poverty,” saying politicians should focus more on policies that can improve living conditions.
However, some social media users took a different position. Some said they would accept the food items but still vote according to their personal choices at the polling units. The comments have added to the debate over the use of campaign gifts and other forms of inducement during elections.
Unverified cash distribution claims emerge
The rice and bread distribution also comes amid other claims circulating online ahead of the election. Separate videos allegedly showing political groups distributing cash to residents have also surfaced on social media.
The claims have not been independently verified. According to the reports accompanying the videos, some residents were allegedly offered ₦10,000 in exchange for votes and loyalty.
The allegations have further heightened concerns about the conduct of the election and the possibility of vote inducement. The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, with candidates of major political parties competing for the state’s top political office.
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