Osun Poll: Adeleke Alleges BVAS Malfunction, Voter Intimidation

Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has raised concerns over the conduct of Saturday’s governorship election, alleging malfunctioning Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and intimidation of voters in parts of the state.

Governor Adeleke made the allegations during an interview on Osun Radio on Saturday, saying preliminary reports reaching him indicated that BVAS machines were either malfunctioning or operating slowly at several polling units.

The governor also alleged that suspected political thugs were disrupting voting in parts of Olorunda and Irewole Local Government Areas.

He specifically accused a man he identified as Enuku and his associates of intimidating voters and disrupting the electoral process.

“Right now, there are complaints that BVAS are not working well. I am not happy at all. The police are aiding the APC. Enuku, the thug, is disturbing people,” Adeleke said.

According to the governor, many voters had turned out to exercise their civic rights but were being delayed by the slow accreditation process.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to address the reported technical problems, saying the situation could discourage voters and undermine the credibility of the exercise.

“People came out to vote, but the machine is slow. It is not working well.

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“INEC should find a solution. My people are being chased in Ikire. I am still watching them. I don’t know if the police are working for APC. I am still watching,” he said.

Adeleke further alleged irregular conduct by security personnel in Olorunda, while urging his supporters not to be intimidated and to remain at their polling units to cast their ballots.

“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 added.

The governor’s allegations could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The Osun governorship election is being closely watched, with the incumbent Adeleke seeking another term amid a keen contest involving the major political parties.