- Safiu Kehinde
The Imole Campaign Council has raised alarm over alleged plot by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the ongoing 2026 Osun Governorship Election inconclusive.
The council in a statement issued on Saturday evening by its spokesperson, Bamidele Salam, accused INEC of orchestrating the move to frustrate the imminent victory of the Accord Party’s candidate and incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Salam condemned the plot which he claimed to be coordinated by the All Progressives Congress leaders and governors.
“The move which is being coordinated by several Governors and leaders of the APC is one of the last minute desperate moves of the party to hijack our candidates victory and subvert the will of the gallant Osun electorate.
“We condemn this evil and undemocratic plan and remind the INEC National Chairman of the various public commitments he gave to assure Nigerians that the Osun Governorship election would be free, fair and credible.” The council’s spokesperson stated.
Salam reminded INEC President Bola Tinubu’s call for free and fair conduct of the election.
He demanded heavy deployment of security personnel to collation centres to prevent submersion of the electoral process by hoodlums.
“We also remind the INEC, the APC and Security agencies of the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that this election is not compromised in any form as it will serve as a litmus test for the 2027 General Election.
“We also call on the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the DSS, the Commandant-General of the Civil Defence and other Security agencies to immediately provide adequate security at all collation centres to prevent a subversion of the Osun Electoral process by hoodlums hired by the APC.” He wrote.
Salam also expressed concern over the political violence and ballot snatching incidents reported in some polling units as he urged election observers to take note of the reports.
“We note with sadness ,the hijack of ballot boxes already recorded in a few polling units by these thugs and demand that perpetrators be arrested to face the full wrath of the Law.
“Local and International observers are hereby invited to take note of this information and speak out on the side of the law and people of Osun State at this hour.” He added.