A group under the aegis of the Osun Grassroots Movement (OGM) has alleged that some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are being secretly posted to critical departments of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the August 15 elections.
In a statement issued by its convener, David Adetunji, on Tuesday in Osogbo, the group alleged that the APC members were posted to subvert the will of Osun voters.
The statement warned that it would resist any ploy to rig the forthcoming gubernatorial election, calling on the INEC leadership in the state to be neutral and not give in to political manipulation.
The statement partly read, ” It has come to our notice, through credible findings, that there are ongoing clandestine efforts by elements within the APC to orchestrate the transfer of key officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, including the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
“There are also indications of targeted intimidation and administrative pressure on principled electoral officers who have refused to compromise professional standards. Such individuals are allegedly being earmarked for redeployment out of the state to create an enabling environment for electoral manipulation.
“Furthermore, recent developments within the Commission, including changes in strategic departments such as the ICT directorate, raise serious questions about the timing, intent, and potential implications for electoral transparency. Reports of inducements and promises of preferential treatment to certain officials further compound these concerns.
The statement further read, “These actions, if left unchecked, constitute a grave threat to democratic consolidation, electoral credibility, and public trust in governance. The manipulation of institutional structures for partisan advantage undermines the rule of law and erodes the foundational principles of free, fair, and credible elections.
“In light of the above, the Osun Grassroots Movement calls on all relevant authorities, including electoral oversight bodies, civil society organisations, and the international community, to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the sanctity of the electoral process.
“We urge that all institutions entrusted with electoral responsibilities uphold the highest standards of neutrality, transparency, and accountability.”
Reacting, the Director of Media and Publicity, Osun APC, Mr Kola Olabisi, described the allegations as baseless, frivolous and fabricated, adding that the allegations cannot be supported by empirical evidence.
He said, “Though it is not our practice to join issues with faceless groups, but for the fact that such groups could easily misform and consequently mislead the innocent members of the public is the reason we are dignifying them with a response.
“The Osun Grassroots Movement’s allegation that our party is posting its members to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) is baseless, frivolous, fabricated and cannot be supported by empirical evidence.
“The unsubstantiated allegation of the so-called Osun Grassroots Movement should be disregarded and classified as a mere ranting of a busybody desperately looking for attention to impress their sponsors.
“Our priority, which we are working towards assiduously and conscientiously, is how our governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji(AMBO), would send Governor Ademola Adeleke back to Ede, his country home, through the 15th August 2026 governorship election.”
When contacted, INEC Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, debunked the allegations, describing them as unfounded.
Olurode, who promised to get back to our Correspondent, said there is no iota of truth in the allegation.
