The Imole Campaign Council, coordinating the re-election campaign of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address alleged shortcomings observed in recent off-cycle and by-elections before the state’s August 15 governorship election.
Speaking in Osogbo on Monday, the council’s Director-General, Lere Oyewumi, alleged that suspected “mercenary voters” were issued Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) shortly before elections in some states. He also raised concerns over alleged shortages of ballot papers, reports of pre-thumbprinted ballot papers, technical issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and the inclusion of non-participating political parties on ballot papers and result sheets in recent elections.
Oyewumi further claimed the council had received reports that some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders allegedly boasted about preloading BVAS machines ahead of the Osun poll, describing the allegation as a serious threat to electoral credibility if proven. He also called on INEC to ensure a transparent PVC distribution process and prevent any attempt to disenfranchise eligible voters or allow proxy collection.
The campaign council said its concerns were aimed at strengthening, not discrediting, the electoral process. It urged INEC to address the identified issues and ensure the Osun governorship election is conducted in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner that reflects the will of the people.
