Adeleke alleges plan to declare Osun poll inconclusive

The Imole Campaign Council, the campaign organisation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has alleged a plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission to declare Saturday’s governorship election inconclusive.

The council described the alleged move as an attempt to frustrate Adeleke’s expected victory in the election.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of its Media and Publicity Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, the council claimed that the alleged plan was being coordinated by some governors and leaders of the All Progressives Congress.

“Our party wishes to inform Nigerians of a sinister plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to declare the ongoing governorship election inconclusive in an apparent move to frustrate the imminent victory of Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke of the Accord,” the statement said.

The campaign council described the alleged move as a desperate attempt to alter the outcome of the election and undermine the will of Osun voters.

It urged INEC to uphold its assurances that the election would be free, fair and credible, while also reminding the commission and security agencies of President Bola Tinubu’s directive that the Osun election should serve as a test for the 2027 general elections.

The council also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security chiefs to strengthen security at collation centres across the state.

It alleged that some ballot boxes had already been hijacked at polling units and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The council further urged local and international election observers to monitor developments closely and speak out against any attempt to undermine the electoral process.

INEC had yet to respond to the allegation as of the time of filing this report.