The Imole Campaign Council, the platform coordinating the re-election bid of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to address alleged shortcomings recorded during recent off-cycle and by-elections ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The Director-General of the campaign council, Lere Oyewumi, made the call while speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Monday, where he raised concerns over the credibility of previous elections and urged the electoral umpire to strengthen its processes.

Oyewumi alleged that during some recent off-cycle and by-elections held in Ogun, Oyo, Jigawa and Ekiti states, persons suspected to be “mercenary voters” were issued Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, shortly before election day.

He also expressed concerns over the alleged shortage of ballot papers and other sensitive election materials, claiming that some irregularities were recorded during the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, including the circulation of pre-thumbprinted ballot papers.

According to him, technical difficulties linked to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, affected the conduct of elections in Ekiti State and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council polls.

The lawmaker further alleged that during recent elections in Anambra, Ekiti and the FCT, some political parties that did not participate in the contests were listed on ballot papers and result sheets.

Speaking on specific concerns ahead of the Osun governorship election, Oyewumi claimed that the campaign council had received reports of alleged statements by some All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders regarding the possible preloading of BVAS machines ahead of the poll.

“We have been inundated with boastful statements reportedly made by some Osun APC leaders about preloading BVAS machines ahead of the governorship election in the state,” he said.

Oyewumi described the allegation, if proven true, as a serious threat to the integrity of electronic accreditation and a possible indication of an attempt to influence the outcome of the election.

He also raised concerns over INEC’s ongoing distribution of new PVCs, urging the commission to ensure the process remains open, transparent and free from any form of manipulation.

“We have been notified about the commencement of the distribution of new PVCs by INEC. However, we have serious concerns about the transparency of the process, and we hereby warn that any move to disenfranchise Osun voters by withholding their PVCs will not be tolerated,” he stated.

The campaign council insisted that PVC collection must be conducted transparently, warning against any form of proxy collection.

Oyewumi stressed that the concerns raised were not intended to discredit INEC but were aimed at encouraging improvements and ensuring a more credible electoral process through constructive engagement.

He said the Osun governorship election would provide another opportunity for Nigeria’s democratic institutions to demonstrate their commitment to free, fair and transparent elections.

“The people of Osun are peaceful, politically conscious and deeply committed to democracy. They expect nothing short of a free, fair, transparent and credible election that faithfully reflects the wishes of the electorate,” he added.

The campaign council consequently urged INEC to carefully consider the issues raised and take necessary corrective measures before the August 15 governorship election.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has vowed never to persecute opposition if he emerges as Nigeria’s president in 2027.

Obi said he would ensure a viable opposition in Nigeria where he would sit with them to discuss issues that affect the country if elected as Nigeria’s president.

In an interview with DW, the former Anambra State governor said his intending administration would ensure that the system works in Nigeria.

He said: “The system must work the way it should function, I would never prosecute anybody politically, I would never do anything wrong while in office.

“I would not go after opponent, I would make sure that we have strong opposition parties that can stand and say no. In times of problems I would invite them.

“If I was president with what is happening in the North, I would invite all opposition parties and I would sit with stakeholders in the North to discuss and come up with a solutions.”

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Vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has claimed that the United States government is now more concerned about the prospect of another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 general elections than allegations previously made against him.

Kwankwaso made the remark while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

He said concerns surrounding his name had been resolved, adding that he now has a “clean slate” in the United States.

“I think we have passed that level now. You know, realities will always prevail. We have enemies here. Everybody has enemy, including your good self.

“So people have decided to send my name here and there, but realities have now come out, and that issue is gone. It’s no more an issue.

“I believe the issue is cleared. It’s cleared. I now have a clean slate in America,” he said.

Kwankwaso further argued that attention had shifted to the possibility of another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I think America is more worried about Muslim-Muslim tickets now than the issue of Kwankwaso.

“Those who know me, they know they are talking about the wrong person. I have no business in all those things.

“I think Muslim-Muslim ticket is going to be a thing in 2027. Well, it has to be,” he added.