Adeleke Campaign Alleges APC Plot To Pressure INEC To End Voting Early

The Imole Campaign Council, the campaign organisation supporting Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prematurely stop voting in some parts of the state.

The allegation was made on Monday by the campaign council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Olajengbesi claimed that the alleged plan was targeted at local government areas considered strongholds of Adeleke, to reduce voter turnout and prevent some eligible residents from casting their ballots.

The campaign council urged INEC to remain independent and ensure that voting is conducted according to established electoral rules and timelines across the state.

It warned that polling units should not be closed while eligible voters who arrived within the approved voting period were still waiting to vote.

The group also accused the APC of previously using arrests and intimidation against members and supporters of the Accord Party after what it described as unsuccessful attempts to remove Adeleke and his party from the ballot through legal processes.

According to the campaign council, it had received information suggesting that federal institutions could be used to put pressure on INEC ahead of the election.

The group called on electoral officials to resist any political influence and apply the same rules in all parts of Osun State.

The campaign council also urged civil society organisations, election observers, international organisations and journalists to closely monitor the election and report any attempts to interfere with the voting process.

It said the Osun governorship election would serve as an important test ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for a process that allows voters to freely exercise their rights without intimidation or disenfranchisement.

The APC had yet to publicly respond to the allegation at the time of the statement.