The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has leveled allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, accusing them of attempting to manipulate the upcoming governorship election through irregular voter registration practices. According to Abosede Oluwaseun, the Publicity and Organising Secretary of the Omoluabi Progressives, a caucus within the ADC, the APC is registering non-residents from neighboring states, including Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos, into the Osun voters’ register.
The ADC claims that compromised officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are facilitating multiple registrations, and where this fails, APC operatives are transferring voter cards belonging to their supporters in other states to Osun. This move has been described as a threat to electoral integrity in the state. The ADC has also questioned INEC’s announcement of 393,269 new registrations recorded in Osun within just eight days, stating that the figure is suspicious.
The developments have been linked to the federal government’s policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the ADC accusing the APC of worsening poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship across Nigeria. The party has urged residents of Osun to remain vigilant and safeguard their democratic rights, stating that the state must not become a testing ground for electoral fraud. The ADC has also called on voters to reject the APC in the August 8, 2026, governorship election.
In response to the allegations, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Osun State, Mutiu Agboke, has dismissed the claims, insisting that the voter registration exercise is being conducted transparently and in line with established guidelines. The electoral commission’s stance has sparked concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Osun State, with the ADC’s allegations highlighting the need for vigilance and transparency in the lead-up to the governorship election.
The allegations of voter registration irregularities have significant implications for the upcoming election, with the ADC’s claims suggesting that the APC may be attempting to influence the outcome. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what measures will be taken to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to take place on August 8, 2026, and the outcome is expected to have significant implications for the state and its residents.
