The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness has expressed significant alarm regarding the environment surrounding the upcoming Osun State governorship election. In an August 12, 2026 report, Director-General Dr. Nwambu Gabriel highlighted a rise in pre-election violence, aggressive political discourse, and technical malfunctions associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Observers stationed across all 30 local government areas noted a surge in registered voters, which reached 2,339,233—an increase of nearly 384,000 from previous figures. Despite this positive engagement, the organization warns that the process is at risk due to rising hostility and doubts regarding the readiness of voting hardware.
During a mock accreditation exercise, observers witnessed various BVAS devices struggling to process fingerprints, facial recognition, and PVC details. The group has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to rectify these technical glitches immediately to protect public trust in the upcoming Saturday election.
The report claims that approximately 40 people have lost their lives in pre-election violence. Furthermore, the organization criticized the quality of political campaigning, noting a move toward personal smears rather than policy debate. Specific allegations were leveled against Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, whom the group accuses of inciting violence, intimidating voters, and using personnel disguised as security officers in Ijeshaland to influence the outcome.
Additional claims involve the reported unlawful detention of Alaba Popoola, an Accord House of Representatives candidate, by individuals identified as being with the Police Intelligence Response Team. The Centre has requested that the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services conduct a thorough investigation. The group concluded by demanding that political actors de-escalate their rhetoric, emphasizing that the election should be decided by the ballot box rather than force.
