Osun 2026: Adeleke Campaign Council Calls on INEC to Ensure Credible Governorship Election

 

The Imole Campaign Council, leading the re-election campaign of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address alleged shortcomings recorded in recent off-cycle elections ahead of the state's governorship poll scheduled for August 15.

Speaking during a press briefing in Osogbo on Monday, the Director-General of the council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, expressed concerns over what he described as recurring electoral irregularities that could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming election if left unchecked.

According to Oyewumi, the campaign council observed reports of questionable PVC distribution, shortages of ballot papers, alleged circulation of pre-thumbprinted ballot papers, and technical failures involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during recent elections in states including Ekiti, as well as the FCT Area Council elections. He also alleged that political parties without candidates appeared on some ballot papers and result sheets in previous elections.

The council further raised concerns over alleged claims by some political actors about the possibility of manipulating BVAS machines before the Osun governorship election, warning that such allegations, if true, could threaten the integrity of the electoral process.

Oyewumi urged INEC to ensure a transparent distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), prevent proxy collection, deploy adequate election materials, and strengthen the reliability of BVAS to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election.

He stressed that the people of Osun State remain committed to democracy and deserve an election that truly reflects the will of the electorate. The council therefore called on the electoral commission to take proactive steps to address the identified concerns before the August 15 governorship election.