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Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign team, the Imole Campaign Council, TICC, has accused the Osun State Police Command of plotting to influence the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The council also alleged that the recent arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, was politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the campaign council described the operation as a reckless abuse of authority and claimed it reflected what it called the police command’s partisanship ahead of the election.

“The Osun Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan, had departed from its constitutional responsibility of maintaining law and order and had instead become involved in political activities.

“The arrest of Igbalaye and others was part of an attempt to remove key Accord leaders and mobilisers from the political scene before the governorship poll.

” We reject allegations linking the arrested individuals to criminal activities.

“The unlawful raid on the home and arrest of the SSG, Hon. Igbalaye, has proven our concerns right. Attempts by the police to portray the arrested officials as criminals is nothing but a comical relief hurriedly put up to whitewash a terrible policing job,” the campaign team said.

TICC argued that any police watch list remained an internal security document unless an individual had been officially declared wanted.

It described references to such a list in relation to Igbalaye as “irresponsible and a brazen act of blackmail”.

The campaign council also challenged the police’s interpretation of electoral laws, insisting that the Electoral Act 2026 did not support allegations of vote buying more than two weeks before an election.

It maintained that the section of the law cited by the police applied specifically to election day.

On the issue of the reported ₦4.8 million recovered during the operation, the council argued that there was no legal prohibition against possessing such an amount.

It claimed that the sum was below the threshold specified under the Money Laundering Act for individuals.

According to TICC, the funds were intended to cover logistics, including transportation costs for Accord mobilisers attending a political meeting. Possession of the voters’ register did not constitute an electoral offence because the register is publicly available to all participating political parties.”

The statement alleged that suspected APC supporters had recently invaded collation centres in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, and Akarabata in Ile-Ife, carting away Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.

It claimed that the incidents were acknowledged during a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo but alleged that the police had failed to act against those responsible.

“We urge the Osun Police Command to note that it is not a political party nor an arm of the APC, but a public institution funded by taxpayers’ money. Accord members are being subjected to harassment and intimidation without legal justification,” it stated.

The campaign council called on the police authorities to release Igbalaye and the other detained individuals immediately.

“Democracy should be about the contest of ideas, not the rule of force, and the Police should know that its job is strictly law enforcement, not forcing leadership choice on the people.”

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that all ongoing infrastructure projects awarded by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will be completed before the end of the year, expressing confidence in the contractors handling the various road projects across the capital city.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday after inspecting the ongoing construction of the extension of Collector Road CO1 linking Nile University area in the Institution and Research District with Lugbe, Abuja and the Arterial Road N1, from Wuye District to Ring Road II, Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the Tinubu administration remained committed to delivering every project it had initiated, insisting that no road project would be abandoned.

“What should concern you is whether there is any project we have started and abandoned. Look at even the projects that were awarded since 2010. We have tried to see that all are completed, and the ones that this administration has awarded will also be completed,” the minister said.

He added: “I don’t want to be pessimistic. I’m very optimistic that all the roads that we have gone for inspection, after the commissioning and flag-off, will also be done. As far as I’m concerned, latest by the end of this year.”

Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Research and Institution Avenue, which will link Lugbe, being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), despite initially expressing concern over the volume of work still outstanding.

“I have faith. There are companies that, when they give you their word and you also play your own part, they always fulfil. CCECC is a company that is doing the road at the Research and Institution Avenue,” he said.

“With what I saw today, I can tell you comfortably that if we complete that project, I can beat my chest and go home and say I’m happy. The administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has succeeded in providing the basic infrastructure that has transformed Abuja into the city it is supposed to be.”

The minister also commended Arab Contractors for the quality of work on another major road project, recalling that when the present administration assumed office in August 2023, the contractor handling the Airport Road to Kuje project had yet to mobilise to site.

According to him, discussions with stakeholders revealed that Arab Contractors was responsible for the project, after which the company committed to completing it as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

“Today, you can agree with me that it is one of the best quality roads you can talk about in Abuja. They are the ones now doing this road, and look at the quality of the job,” he said.

“The Managing Director, who is here with us, has assured us they will do their own part, while we will also fulfil our obligations. By the grace of God, we will hand over this project to Mr. President in December.”

Wike attributed the progress on ongoing projects to the mutual trust between the FCTA and its contractors, noting that several companies continued executing projects even before receiving full payments because they were confident the administration would honour its commitments.

“They have never disappointed us. That’s why most companies, even if we have not done our own part, still go ahead because they know that, at the end of the day, we will fulfil our obligation. That trust is there between us and these companies,” he said.

The minister described himself as “highly elated” by the quality of construction witnessed during the inspection, arguing that the transformation taking place in the nation’s capital was evident to residents and visitors alike.

“I can tell you I am highly elated with the level of work, the level of construction and the quality that we have seen. Every right-thinking person in this country and in this city will agree that indeed the President’s administration has transformed Abuja into a world-class city,” he stated.

He also urged the media to objectively report the progress recorded by the administration, saying journalists who had inspected the projects could independently attest to the changes taking place across the Federal Capital Territory.

“People are happy, and I believe that even you, the media, can attest to it. Even if we are not there, you become our ambassadors to say, ‘We have gone, we have seen, and we can attest to the fact that things have changed,’” Wike said.

Responding to questions on the ongoing bridge project around the Jabi axis, the minister urged residents to remain patient, reiterating that every project initiated by the administration would be completed.

“I know you have interest in one of these particular projects, but just be patient. Everything will be done,” he assured.

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By Dr Gabriel Nwambu

Preparatory Assessment and Pilot Survey
Ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election
INTRODUCTION
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), as a duly accredited civil
society organization recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is
mandated to observe the electoral processes in Nigeria to guarantee transparency,
accountability, and adherence to democratic principles.

In fulfillment of our civic responsibility toward the upcoming August 15, 2026 Osun State
Governorship Election, the Centre has concluded a comprehensive pre-election observation
mission and a state-wide pilot survey.

This document highlights our early findings regarding the
security environment, stakeholders’ preparedness, INEC’s operational readiness, voter
sensitization, and potential flashpoints across the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Osun
State.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PILOT SURVEY & OBSERVATION
Our pilot survey was designed to:
1. Gauge public confidence in the electoral umpire (INEC) and security architectures.
2. Assess the level of voter preparedness, collection status of Permanent Voter Cards
(PVCs), and civic awareness.
3. Identify early-warning indicators, security flashpoints, and potential threats of electoral
violence or voter suppression.
4. Evaluate the compliance of political parties with the Electoral Act and peace pact
guidelines.

METHODOLOGY
The Centre deployed a mixed-method qualitative and quantitative approach. This included:
● Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders,
youth groups, security agencies, and leaderships of political parties.
● Desk Reviews & Media Monitoring: Tracking political rhetoric, incidents of violence, and
hate speech across traditional and social media platforms.

● Pilot Perception Survey: Administered structured questionnaires to a randomized
sample of registered voters across urban and rural settlements spanning all three
Senatorial Districts of Osun State.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE PRE-ELECTION PILOT SURVEY
A. Voter Readiness and Awareness
● High Interest, Mixed Sentiment: Our survey revealed a remarkably high level of
awareness regarding the August 15 election date among citizens. Over 82% of
respondents expressed willingness to participate.

● PVC Collection and Access: While initial distribution phases recorded commendable
turnouts, pockets of logistical bottlenecks and isolated attacks on distribution centers
raised temporary anxieties. However, proactive interventions by INEC have largely
stabilized collection rates.

B. Assessment of INEC’s Preparedness
● Logistical Planning: Reports from our field observers indicate that INEC is steadily
moving non-sensitive materials to the various LGA headquarters. Stakeholder
engagements conducted by the Commission have been rated positively.

● Technology Deployment: Confidence in the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)
and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal remains moderately high, though respondents
emphasized the need for optimal network connectivity and prompt deployment of
technical support teams to avert glitches on election day.
C. Security Environment and Early-Warning Indicators (Flashpoints)
Despite the enthusiasm of the electorate, the Centre notes with grave concern several
early-warning indicators that require immediate multi-agency intervention:
● Escalating Political Tensions: Our pilot survey highlights localized political friction and
aggressive rhetoric between major contending parties, particularly in high-density urban
centers and historical flashpoints across parts of Osogbo, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, and Ede.

● Incidents of Violence and Vandalism: Recent reports of localized clashes, destruction
of campaign materials, and unwarranted attacks threaten to shrink the civic space and
induce voter apathy through fear.

● The Threat of Vote Trading: Economic vulnerabilities identified during our survey
suggest that vote-buying remains an latent threat. Indigent voters surveyed expressed
concerns regarding attempts by desperate political actors to monetize the ballot.

RECOMMENDATIONS
To ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election on August 15, 2026, the Centre for
Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness recommends the following:
1. To the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC):
○ Ensure timely deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to Registration
Area Centers (RACs) to prevent the usual delays on election morning.
○ Conduct continuous mock testing of BVAS devices to assure the electorate of
fail-safe technology.
○ Maintain absolute neutrality and transparency in collaboration with all accredited
observers and party agents.
2. To Security Agencies (Police, NSCDC, and Military):

Deploy proactive intelligence-gathering mechanisms to identified flashpoints to
forestall any breakdown of law and order.
○ Ensure a robust, non-partisan security presence that guarantees the safety of
voters, election officials, and observers without intimidating peaceful citizens.
○ Strictly enforce laws against vote-buying and prosecute offenders regardless of
political affiliation.

3. To Political Parties and Candidates:
○ Call your supporters to order and strictly abide by the peace accords signed for the
election.

○ Refrain from hate speech, fake news, and actions capable of inciting violence or
polarizing communities along ethnic or partisan lines.
4. To the Electorate and Citizens of Osun State:
○ Come out en masse to exercise your franchise on August 15, 2026, undeterred by
intimidation or fear.
○ Resist any form of vote-selling, as your vote is your power and the true currency of
good governance.

CONCLUSION
The Osun State Governorship Election of August 15, 2026, is a critical test for Nigeria’s evolving
democracy. While challenges relating to security and political tensions persist, they are not
insurmountable. The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness remains steadfast
in its commitment to observing the process objectively and reporting findings transparently. We
call on all stakeholders to place the peace, security, and prosperity of Osun State above
personal or parochial political ambitions.
Signed:
NWAMBU Gabriel,Ph.D.,
Director-General / National Coordinator Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA)