INEC Rejects Ghost Voting Allegations in Osun Governorship Election, Cites 50 Percent Voter Turnout

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted allegations of ghost and hired voters in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, maintaining that the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) prevented unauthorized participation.

Dayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, addressed the claims during a television interview on Monday. He warned the public against unverified digital content and misinformation, emphasizing that the BVAS technology requires voters to be registered and accredited at specific polling units prior to casting a ballot.

The commission reported an official voter turnout of 50.116 percent, calculated from the total number of Permanent Voter Cards collected against accredited voters. Oketola noted that this figure represents a higher turnout rate compared to recent off-cycle governorship elections in the country, attributing the participation rate to early planning and logistical preparation.

The election concluded with Accord Party candidate and incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke declared the winner after securing 511,067 votes, defeating All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

Responding to potential legal challenges regarding the election outcome, Oketola stated that aggrieved parties have the statutory right to seek redress through the judicial system as provided by the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution. He added that the commission views off-cycle elections as operational tests to refine processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.