A group identifying itself as Concerned Stakeholders for Democracy in Osun State has alleged the existence of a high-level plot to manipulate the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group claimed that “a meeting was held to finalise strategies aimed at undermining the credibility of the poll.”
According to the statement, “individuals named in the alleged plot include Chief Nyesom Wike, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Chief Bisi Akande, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, IGP Tunji Disu and some officials said to be representing the INEC Chairman.”
The group listed six major allegations:
1. Deployment of Security-Branded Vehicles
The statement alleged that “vehicles bearing police insignia would be used to transport political thugs across the state to cause unrest and intimidate voters, particularly in areas considered weak for the APC.”
2. Staged Arrests and Manufactured Evidence
The group alleged that “vehicles branded with the Accord Party logo would be used by masked armed men.”
It further claimed that “photographs of staged arrests are planned to be released during the election.”
The statement also alleged that “some individuals, including Asiri Eniba and Ojuyobo, would be arrested before the election and released two days prior to carry out assignments.”
3. Alleged Compromise of INEC Officials
According to the statement, “there is an arrangement with the State Resident Electoral Commissioner to impose APC-nominated persons as Local Government Returning Officers.”
It further claimed that “the objective is to submit fabricated results from LGAs for collation in Osogbo, with dissatisfied parties directed to seek redress in court.”
4. Importation of Voters and Political Operatives
The group alleged that “voter cards have been released to the APC through INEC for distribution to structures in Kwara, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti and Edo states.”
It further claimed that “the Governor of Edo State has been tasked with bringing in operatives from the Niger Delta, who would be lodged in hotels and private residences in Osun from the last week of July.”
5. Targeted Arrest and Blackmail of Opposition Leaders
According to the statement, “there are plans to restrict key Accord Party leaders from voting or monitoring on election day.”
It also claimed that “some would be arrested at polling units on fabricated charges including possession of arms and large sums of money for vote buying.”
6. Circulation of Fake Ballots and Reputation Attacks
The group alleged that “individuals have been hired to move fake ballot papers and claim they were linked to the Governor.”
It further claimed that “there are plans to damage the reputation of Dr Deji Adeleke, the Governor’s brother, with Chief Wike alleged to be coordinating the effort.”
Group’s Position and Demands
The group said “it is not affiliated to any political party and is only demanding a level playing field.”
It called on “INEC National Headquarters, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, the international community, civil society and the media to intervene and ensure a credible process.”
The statement concluded: “We assure the good people of Osun State that by God’s grace, every one of these evil plans will be exposed. Osun votes must count.”
As of press time, INEC, the Nigeria Police Force and the APC had not responded to the allegations.
