Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised alarm over technical glitches affecting the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and alleged incidents of voter intimidation as the state’s governorship election got underway on Saturday.
Speaking on Osun Radio, the governor said he was dissatisfied with preliminary reports reaching him from polling units across the state, citing slow-functioning BVAS machines and reports of thugs harassing voters in the Olurunda and Irewole local government areas.
Adeleke specifically named the suspected thug, identified only as Enuku, accusing him and his associates of disturbing voters and alleging police complicity in the disruption.
“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.
He added that voters in Ikire were being chased away from polling units and questioned whether security operatives were acting impartially.
“My 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 said.
The governor also accused thugs of misconduct in Olorunda, urging his supporters to remain calm but resolute.
“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,” he said.
Adeleke called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently address BVAS malfunctions to ensure a smooth voting process.
