Osun 2026: Accord Party's Campaign Team Calls on INEC to Guarantee a Free and Fair Governorship Poll

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By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

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OSOGBO — The Accord Party’s campaign council in Osun State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a transparent and credible conduct of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, urging the electoral body to address concerns raised from previous off-cycle elections.

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Speaking with journalists in Osogbo, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, said the group was raising its concerns ahead of the election to give INEC sufficient time to strengthen its preparations and reassure voters.

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Oyewumi said the council was concerned about reports and allegations that emerged during recent off-cycle and by-elections in some states, including claims relating to the handling of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), ballot papers, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and election result sheets.

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He urged the electoral commission to ensure that all electoral materials and technologies deployed for the Osun governorship poll are adequately secured and protected from manipulation.

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According to him, the concerns expressed by the campaign council were informed by reports from election observers and public discussions surrounding previous elections.

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The council also called on INEC to publicly reassure residents of Osun State of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election.

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Oyewumi further appealed to security agencies and other relevant authorities to investigate any claims capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process and to ensure that appropriate safeguards are put in place ahead of the poll.

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He urged INEC to audit all BVAS devices and election result sheets to strengthen the integrity of the process and prevent any form of electoral malpractice.

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The campaign council maintained that transparent electoral processes are essential to sustaining public trust and ensuring that the outcome of the governorship election reflects the will of the electorate.

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At the time of filing this report, the Independent National Electoral Commission had not responded to the concerns raised by the campaign council.

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