Osun 2026: Adeleke campaign raises BVAS, PVC concerns

The Imole Campaign Council, supporting Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke's re-election bid, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent electoral malpractices in the upcoming Osun governorship election. The council highlighted alleged lapses observed in recent off-cycle elections in other states.

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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.

Director-General of the campaign council, Lere Oyewumi, told journalists in Osogbo that individuals suspected of being mercenary voters were allegedly issued Permanent Voter Cards shortly before voting in Ogun, Oyo, Jigawa, and Ekiti states. He also raised concerns about insufficient ballot papers and the distribution of pre-thumb-printed ballots during the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election. Technical challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) were also reported during elections in Ekiti and the FCT.

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This claim, if true, strikes at the heart of electronic accreditation and suggests a predetermined outcome rather than the genuine will of the people.

Oyewumi further alleged that political parties without candidates in recent Anambra, Ekiti, and FCT polls appeared on ballot papers and result sheets. Ahead of the Osun election, the council has been notified of "boastful statements" by Osun APC leaders about pre-loading BVAS machines, which Oyewumi claims "strikes at the heart of electronic accreditation and suggests a predetermined outcome."

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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.

The campaign council also expressed serious concerns about the transparency of the ongoing PVC distribution, warning against any attempts to disenfranchise Osun voters by withholding cards. They demanded a transparent process that prohibits collection by proxy. Oyewumi emphasized that these concerns are intended to strengthen the electoral process through constructive engagement, not to undermine confidence in INEC. He stated that the Osun election is an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate improved democratic institutions and inspire public confidence, expecting a free, fair, and credible election that reflects the electorate's wishes.

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We categorically demand that this distribution must be transparent and should not allow collection by proxy.