Reports have emerged regarding alleged voter importation in Osun State ahead of the Osun election 2026 election, following the reported arrest of over one hundred prospective voters brought in by an Accord Party member.
Security operatives questioned the individuals at the residence of Hon. Abiola Ibrahim after video footage circulated on social media showing a large group gathered at the property with newly issued Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
When interviewed by security personnel, Abiola Ibrahim acknowledged the gathering at his home, stating that the crowd had assembled to cast their votes for the Accord Party.
According to reports, Ibrahim represents the Irewole-Isokan Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly.
At the time of publication, attempts to contact the Osun State Police Command for a prompt response proved unsuccessful.
Osun Election 2026- APC, Accord wage N20,000-per-vote war.
Sources indicate that representatives from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party allegedly engaged in vote-buying tactics, offering voters amounts between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000.
Reports suggest that these activities began up to six days prior to election day, with parties reportedly collecting account numbers with promises of transfers following the vote.
In the election, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party faces challenges from candidate Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and candidates from other political parties.
According to findings by the Punch, in several instances, the distribution of cash gifts and food items was paired with spiritual inducements, with recipients reportedly required to take oaths pledging their votes to the donating party’s candidate.
Also Read : Osun Election- INEC Begins Distribution of Sensitive Electoral Materials
Backstory…
The arrests come as Osun voters head to the polls today, August 15, amid heightened concerns over electoral malpractice, violence and attempts to influence the outcome of the governorship election.
The development is particularly significant because the state has more than 1.9 million voters who collected their PVCs, with INEC securing the remaining 432,843 uncollected cards with the Central Bank of Nigeria ahead of the poll
Meanwhile, the days leading up to the Osun election 2026 have been characterised by violence, threats and political interference from the EFCC.
On the side of INEC, the Osun governorship election will reveal its readiness for the 2027 general election. Speaking regarding this also, President Tinubu has urged the commission to ensure that Osun polls are free and fair.
Read Also: Meet the 13 Osun Governorship Candidates in the Race
