Adeleke’s campaign council raises Osun election concerns and urges INEC to improve transparency ahead of the August 15 governorship poll
The Imole Campaign Council, the platform supporting Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address concerns raised over electoral processes ahead of the state’s August 15 governorship election.
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Director-General of the campaign council, Lere Oyewumi, made the call on Monday while speaking with journalists in Osogbo, where he appealed to the electoral body to strengthen its procedures and improve public confidence in the election.
Oyewumi raised concerns about the credibility of some recent off-cycle and by-elections, alleging that irregularities during previous polls could affect public trust if not properly addressed before the Osun election.
He alleged that during some elections in Ogun, Oyo, Jigawa and Ekiti states, individuals suspected to be “mercenary voters” were issued Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) shortly before election day.
The campaign council director-general also claimed that shortages of ballot papers and other sensitive materials affected some elections, while alleging that pre-thumbprinted ballot papers were circulated during the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
Oyewumi further expressed concerns over technical challenges involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), claiming that similar issues affected elections in Ekiti State and Federal Capital Territory Area Council polls.
He also alleged that some political parties that did not participate in recent elections appeared on ballot papers and result sheets in Anambra, Ekiti and the FCT.
Ahead of the Osun governorship election, Oyewumi specifically raised concerns over alleged claims by some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders regarding possible BVAS manipulation.
“We have been inundated with boastful statements reportedly made by some Osun APC leaders about preloading BVAS machines ahead of the governorship election in the state,” he said.
He described the allegation as a serious concern that could undermine the credibility of electronic accreditation if proven true.
The campaign council also called on INEC to ensure transparency in the ongoing distribution of new PVCs, warning against any process that could prevent eligible voters from collecting their cards.
“We have been notified about the commencement of the distribution of new PVCs by INEC. However, we have serious concerns about the transparency of the process, and we hereby warn that any move to disenfranchise Osun voters by withholding their PVCs will not be tolerated,” Oyewumi said.
He stressed that PVC collection should be conducted openly and without allowing proxy collection or other practices capable of affecting voter participation.
The council clarified that its concerns were not intended to undermine INEC but were aimed at encouraging improvements and supporting a more credible electoral process.
Oyewumi said Osun voters deserved an election that reflects their choices and strengthens confidence in democratic institutions.
“The people of Osun are peaceful, politically conscious and deeply committed to democracy. They expect nothing short of a free, fair, transparent and credible election that faithfully reflects the wishes of the electorate,” he said.
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The call comes as political parties intensify preparations for the Osun governorship election, with INEC expected to oversee the final stages of the electoral process before the August 15 poll.
