Osun 2026: Adeleke decries BVAS delays, voter intimidation

The Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed dissatisfaction with preliminary reports reaching him from the ongoing governorship election, alleging that Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines are malfunctioning and that voters are being intimidated in parts of the state.

Adeleke, who spoke on Osun Radio on Saturday, said he had received complaints that BIVAS machines were malfunctioning and operating slowly at several polling units.

He also alleged that thugs were disrupting the exercise in Olorunda and Irewole Local Government Areas, specifically accusing a man he identified as Enuku and his associates of intimidating residents.

“Right now, there are complaints that BIVAS 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 him, voters had turned out to exercise their franchise but were being delayed by the slow pace of accreditation.

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

The governor further raised concerns about the conduct of security personnel in Olorunda, while urging his supporters to remain calm, vote and protect 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,” Adeleke said.

The allegations could not immediately be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.