INEC rejects claims of ghost, hired voters in Osun election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected claims that ghost and hired voters took part in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The commission said the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) made such voting impossible.

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INEC’s Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Dayo Oketola, made this known on Monday during an interview with Arise News.

Oketola also warned Nigerians against believing unverified videos and information shared on social media after the election.

He explained that voters had to be registered and accredited at their assigned polling units before they could vote.

“We are in an age of AI, misinformation, and disinformation. Not everything you see is true. With BVAS in play for any election in Nigeria, there is no room for ghost voters or hired voters,” he said.

He added, “You cannot vote in an election unless you have been registered and accredited for that specific polling unit. Be careful what you believe, particularly in an election driven by information management and mismanagement.”

According to Oketola, voter turnout stood at 50.116 per cent, making it one of the highest recorded in recent off-cycle elections.

He said better preparation and improved logistics contributed to the turnout, while also encouraging more people to take part in elections.

Oketola described the peaceful conclusion of the election as a sign of growing democratic maturity in Nigeria, despite the tension recorded before the poll.

Governor Ademola Adeleke won the election with 511,067 votes, defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.