By Osaretin Osadebamwen
The Accord Party Campaign Council in Osun State has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair and credible governorship election on August 15, 2026, calling on the electoral body to address concerns arising from previous off-cycle elections.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, said the appeal was made ahead of the governorship poll to give INEC enough time to strengthen election preparations and boost public confidence in the electoral process.
Oyewumi expressed concern over reports and allegations from recent off-cycle elections and by-elections in some states, including issues involving Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, ballot papers and election result sheets.
He urged INEC to ensure that all sensitive election materials and voting technologies deployed for the Osun governorship election are adequately secured against manipulation, stressing that credible elections depend on transparency and accountability.
According to him, the campaign council’s concerns are based on reports by election observers and widespread public discussions surrounding the conduct of previous elections across the country.
The council also appealed to INEC to publicly reassure Osun residents of its commitment to conducting a transparent, peaceful and credible governorship election.
Oyewumi further called on security agencies and other relevant authorities to investigate allegations capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process and to implement safeguards before election day.
He also urged the electoral commission to audit all BVAS devices and election result sheets to strengthen the integrity of the voting process and prevent electoral malpractice.
The campaign council maintained that transparent elections remain essential to protecting democracy, sustaining public trust and ensuring that the outcome of the governorship election reflects the genuine will of Osun voters.
