August 15 Poll: Imole Campaign Council Lists 10 Key Issues, Calls On INEC

THE Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to urgently address 10 critical issues ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Monday, July 20, the Director-General of TICC, Distinguished Senator Kamarudeen Olalere Oyewumi, Ph.D., said the demands were informed by observations from recent elections across Nigeria, including the 2026 FCT Area Council Election, Ekiti Governorship Election, and several bye-elections.

Senator Oyewumi said public confidence in the electoral process must be protected to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible election in Osun.

Key concerns raised:

According to the Council, INEC must prioritize the following:

1. Deployment of adequate ballot papers and sensitive materials to every polling unit.

2. Transparent distribution of PVCs to prevent infiltration by suspected mercenary voters.

3. Safeguards against pre-thumbprinted ballot papers.

4. Rigorous verification of ballot papers and result sheets to ensure only duly qualified parties appear.

5. Fixing recurring BVAS challenges, especially during voter accreditation.

6. Enforcement of PVC presentation for voting, in line with the Electoral Act.

7. Implementation of Yiaga Africa’s recommendations on vote buying, ballot secrecy, results management, and public communication.

8. Additional BVAS machines and personnel for over 2,500 polling units with more than 500 registered voters. The Council noted that over 1,200 units have more than 1,000 voters.

9. Investigation into allegations of BVAS preloading and illegal printing of extra result sheets.

10. Transparent, decentralized PVC distribution to cover 381,817 newly registered voters and others who updated their information.

Senator Oyewumi described reports of planned manipulation of BVAS machines as “deeply disturbing” and urged INEC and security agencies to audit all election technologies and sensitive materials immediately.

Council’s position:

The TICC DG stressed that the press conference was not meant to undermine INEC, but to strengthen democracy through constructive engagement.

He called on security agencies to remain professional and neutral, and appealed to political parties and supporters to maintain peace throughout the electioneering period.

“The votes of Osun people must count, and every legitimate vote must be protected,” Oyewumi declared.

The Imole Campaign Council reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the people’s votes through lawful democratic means.