Osun 2026: Adeleke Campaign Raises BVAS, PVC Concerns

The Imole Campaign Council, which is coordinating the re-election campaign of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent the electoral problems recorded during some recent off-cycle elections as preparations continue for the Osun governorship poll.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Monday, the council’s Director-General, Lere Oyewumi, alleged that suspected mercenary voters received Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) shortly before voting during off-cycle and by-elections held in Ogun, Oyo, Jigawa and Ekiti states.

Oyewumi also raised concerns about the alleged shortage of ballot papers and other sensitive election materials during previous elections. He further claimed that ballot papers already marked in favour of candidates were distributed during the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

He also alleged that the Ekiti governorship election and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections experienced technical problems involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

According to him, political parties that did not field candidates in recent elections held in Anambra, Ekiti and the FCT still appeared on ballot papers and result sheets used for the polls.

The campaign council also expressed concern over reports that some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun had allegedly boasted about preloading BVAS machines before the governorship election. It said such claims, if true, could affect the integrity of the accreditation process and the credibility of the election.

The council further expressed concern over the ongoing distribution of new PVCs by INEC, calling for a transparent exercise. It warned against any action that could prevent eligible voters from collecting their cards and insisted that PVC collection should only be done by the rightful owners without the use of proxies.

Oyewumi said the issues raised by the council were intended to improve the electoral process and not to reduce public confidence in INEC. He noted that the Osun governorship election offers another opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen confidence in its democratic system.

He said residents of Osun expected a peaceful, free, fair and credible election that truly reflected the wishes of voters. He urged INEC to carefully consider the concerns raised and put all necessary measures in place before the August 15 governorship election.

Voters across Osun State are expected to elect a new governor on Saturday, August 15.

Fourteen political parties are participating in the election.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term on the Accord Party platform, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress candidate Dr Najeem Salaam are widely regarded as the leading contenders in the race.