Osun Election: Governor Adeleke Alleges INEC Plans to Bypass Collation Process

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke voiced serious concerns on Saturday, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) intended to circumvent the established procedure for collating election results. The governor, who is seeking re-election, made these accusations shortly after casting his ballot in Ede North.

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I have it on authority that they (INEC) don’t want to go through the normal process of units to wards and to local government. They just want to take it all the way to the collation centre, and that is not acceptable.

Adeleke claimed he had received information suggesting that election results would be taken directly to the state collation center, bypassing the legally mandated stages of collection from units to wards and then local government areas. "They must follow the rule, and that is why I am alerting my people to watch out," he stated, emphasizing that such a move would be unacceptable.

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They must follow the rule, and that is why I am alerting my people to watch out.

Despite these allegations regarding the collation process, Governor Adeleke expressed strong optimism about his electoral prospects. "I know by the special grace of God I’m winning this election," he declared. The governorship election, held across 30 local government areas, has drawn significant political attention, with security forces deployed to ensure order. INEC has repeatedly affirmed its dedication to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, adhering to the Electoral Act and its guidelines.

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I know by the special grace of God I’m winning this election.