Imole Electoral Council Urges INEC to Avoid Past Election Mistakes
Imole Electoral Council, spearheading the re-election campaign for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to steer clear of the errors observed in recent off-cycle elections.
Concerns Raised Over Voter Registration Practices
During a press briefing in Osogbo on Monday, Lele Oyewumi, the Executive Secretary of the Electoral Council, reported that recent by-elections in Ogun, Oyo, Jigawa, and Ekiti states were plagued by the issuance of permanent voter cards to individuals suspected of being mercenary voters just before voting commenced.
Issues During Previous Elections Questioned
Oyewumi also expressed serious apprehensions regarding the distribution of inadequate ballot papers and essential materials. He claimed that during the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, pre-thumbprinted ballot papers were inappropriately handed out.
Technical Hurdles Disrupting Elections
He pointed out that technical difficulties with the bimodal voter recognition system also marred the off-cycle elections in Ekiti, as well as the FCT Regional Council elections, resulting in significant disruptions.
Allegations of Irregularities in Recent Elections
The lawmaker further alleged that the recent electoral processes in Anambra, Ekiti, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) featured ballots and election results sheets that listed political parties not in contention, raising questions about the integrity of the elections.
Call for Transparency in PVC Distribution
Highlighting additional concerns in anticipation of the Osun State governorship election, Oyewumi stated, “We’ve encountered reports of Osun APC leaders boasting about preloading BVAS machines ahead of the election.” If these claims are accurate, they undermine the credibility of electronic certification, suggesting a predetermined election outcome rather than the genuine voice of the electorate.
Demand for Fair Electoral Practices
Oyewumi emphasized the importance of transparency in the distribution of new permanent voter cards (PVCs) and warned that any attempt to disenfranchise Osun voters would be met with strong opposition. He called for measures to ensure that the distribution process remains clear and equitable, expressly prohibiting collection by proxy.
Election as a Test of Democratic Resilience
Mr. Oyewumi insisted that the concerns raised are not intended to diminish confidence in INEC but rather to strengthen the electoral process through constructive dialogue. He underscored that the upcoming Osun State governorship election presents a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to reaffirm its commitment to democratic values and build public trust.
The people of Osun, known for their peaceful demeanor and political consciousness, rightfully expect elections that are free, fair, and transparent, accurately reflecting the voters’ desires. As Osun State prepares to vote on Saturday, August 15, for their next governor, 14 political parties are fielding candidates, including the incumbent Governor Adeleke, Bola Oyebamiji from the All Progressives Congress, and Dr. Naseem Salam of the African Democratic Congress.
