Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised serious concerns about the conduct of Saturday's governorship election, alleging that Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) machines were failing at several polling units and that thugs were harassing voters in parts of the state. Speaking on Osun Radio during the exercise, Adeleke said complaints had been reaching him about BIVAS machines operating below standard at multiple locations, causing significant delays for voters who had turned out to cast their ballots.
BIVAS Malfunctions and Delays
The governor reported that the accreditation process was slow due to machine failures, which he said was unacceptable. He emphasized that people came out to vote but the machines were not working efficiently. "Right now, there are complaints that BIVAS are not working well. I am not happy at all," Adeleke said. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to find a solution to the technical problems, noting that voters in Ikire were being chased from polling areas.
Allegations of Thuggery and Police Bias
Beyond the technical issues, Adeleke alleged that armed thugs were disrupting the exercise in Olorunda and Irewole Local Government Areas. He specifically named a man he identified as Enuku as one of those allegedly intimidating residents. The governor also questioned the conduct of the police, accusing them of aiding the All Progressives Congress (APC). "The police are aiding the APC. Enuku, the thug, is disturbing people," he said. He further expressed doubts about police neutrality, asking, "I don't know if the police are working for APC. I am still watching."
Governor Urges Supporters to Defend Votes
Despite his frustration, Adeleke called on his supporters to remain composed, complete the voting process, and safeguard their ballots once cast. "In Olorunda, they are behaving anyhow. My advice is that my people should vote and defend their votes. Don't be afraid. It is just for one day," he said. The allegations made by the governor could not be independently verified at the time this report was filed. There was no immediate response from INEC or the Osun State Police Command to the claims.
In related news, officers of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were deployed to polling units across Osun State on Saturday to monitor the governorship election. The deployment was part of efforts to ensure transparency and curb electoral malpractice.
