Sorting begins in Ilesa West and Ejigbo as candidates report BVAS issues, alleged vote-buying and voter intimidation.
Sorting and counting of votes have commenced at some polling units across Osun State following Saturday’s governorship election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
As of 2:50 p.m., ballot sorting and counting were underway at some polling units in Ilesa West and Ejigbo Local Government Areas, as voters awaited the outcome of the election involving 15 candidates across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The election recorded complaints over the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), allegations of vote-buying and an outbreak of violence at a polling unit in Ejigbo.
At about 12:19 p.m., violence reportedly broke out at Polling Unit 13, Ward 4, in Ejigbo after a youth allegedly discovered materials suspected to be linked to vote-buying by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The youth reportedly seized the materials, saying he could not stand by while an alleged illegal activity was taking place. People believed to be connected to the materials later reportedly arrived at the scene.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor and Accord Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke, raised concerns over alleged voter intimidation by security personnel and the APC.
Adeleke, who voted at Abogunde Comprehensive 009, Ward 02, Abogunde Sagba, Ede North, alleged that a police officer identified by the nickname “London” had been deployed from Port Harcourt to disrupt voting in Ede. He called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to investigate the allegation.
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, also alleged that some of his party agents were denied accreditation at polling units despite their names having been uploaded.
Salaam said the alleged denial raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process. He also dismissed allegations of vote-buying, insisting that he had never bought votes.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, appealed to voters to remain peaceful as voting and the collation of results continued.
Oyebamiji, who voted alongside his wife, Sekinat, at Ward 9, Unit 11, in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, said the process was peaceful at his polling unit and commended INEC and security personnel.
He urged residents to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the electoral process to proceed without disruption.