The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Najeem Salaam, has raised concerns over two issues he says threaten the integrity of the Osun 2026 election. Speaking to journalists, Salaam flagged the party's lack of access to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) platform and the failure to issue identification tags to party agents.
Party Agents Not Receiving Tags Despite Compliance
Salaam explained that the ADC had complied with INEC's request to upload its party agents onto the commission's platform, but the agents were still not being issued the required tags. He described the situation as deeply troubling, saying it calls the entire electoral process into question.
"Request for the party to upload their party agents, and we did. How I don't understand how and why the party agent will not be giving tag," Salaam said. He added, "So it is form part of the process. So if at the end of the day we do not have this, then the process how is very questionable."
Candidate Condemns Voter Inducement
The ADC candidate also used the occasion to speak on voter inducement, condemning the practice as a sign of weakness among candidates who lack confidence in their programmes. "Democracy supposed to give rooms for people to choose their representative freely, without intimidation, harassment, or inducement," he said. "Why do we need to induce the voters before us who want to rule? Are you sure of yourself? Are you coming with the program that are very good for the people?"
Salaam said he was confident that voters would assess him based on his manifesto and what he planned to deliver for the state, adding that his party had no involvement in voter inducement.
Salaam Promises to Brief Nigerians, Remains Optimistic
The ADC candidate said he would hold back from making further pronouncements on the INEC platform matter until the process reached its conclusion, but promised to brief Nigerians on how far the matter had gone. Despite his concerns, he said he remained optimistic about the outcome of the election, calling for a fair contest free from rigging and manipulation.
"It should be a fair and fair election with no rigging, manipulation, a level playing ground," he said. "I trust my God that I'm going to win the election."
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Osun State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji, expressed confidence in winning the election after casting his ballot on Saturday, August 15. Oyebamiji voted at Ward 9, Polling Unit 011, in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, where he spoke to journalists about the conduct of the exercise so far.
