INEC to Conduct Nationwide Mock Accreditation Exercise in November 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct a nationwide mock accreditation exercise in November 2026 as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while receiving the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, David Sproule, and other officials during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters.

Amupitan said the exercise would provide an opportunity to test the commission’s electoral technology and other equipment ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the mock accreditation will subject the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other electoral equipment to a rigorous field test across the country.

He said the exercise was designed to help INEC identify and resolve potential operational challenges before the general elections.

The INEC chairman stressed that the commission was determined to build on lessons learnt from recent off-cycle elections and improve its preparedness for the 2027 electoral cycle.

The nationwide exercise is expected to give INEC an opportunity to assess the functionality of its accreditation systems under conditions similar to those that will be experienced during the actual elections.

The commission has continued to carry out preparations for the 2027 general elections as political parties and candidates begin their campaigns for the presidential, National Assembly and other elections.

Seriake Dickson Congratulates Adeleke, Calls for Unity After Osun Election

Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the just-concluded Osun State governorship election.

Dickson described Adeleke’s victory as significant not only for the governor and the people of Osun State but also for Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement, the former governor said the election demonstrated that Nigerians could still assert their democratic will through the ballot despite what he described as an increasingly challenging political environment.

“I warmly congratulate the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the Osun State Governorship Election,” Dickson said.

He commended the people of Osun State for standing firm in defence of their democratic choice, while urging other contestants who lost the election to accept the outcome in the spirit of sportsmanship.

Dickson called on the defeated candidates and their supporters to work with Adeleke towards maintaining peace and promoting the development of the state.

“I commend the people of Osun State for standing firm in defence of their democratic choice, and call on all those who contested the election and emerged on the losing side to join hands with the Governor in the spirit of sportsmanship and work for the peace and development of Osun State,” he said.

The former Bayelsa governor also wished Adeleke and the people of Osun continued peace, progress and prosperity as the governor prepares to begin another four-year term.

His congratulatory message adds to the growing reactions from political leaders following Adeleke’s re-election, with several figures urging the state to move beyond the intense campaign period and focus on governance and development.

Adeleke Condemns Arrest of Osun PDP Chairman, Calls for Immediate Release

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has condemned the reported arrest of the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sunday Bisi, shortly after he cast his vote in the ongoing governorship election.

In a statement issued on Saturday, August 15, by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described the arrest as an attempt to intimidate political supporters and called for Bisi’s immediate release.

According to the governor, Bisi was allegedly arrested at his residence in Ilesa after returning from his polling unit where he had voted. Adeleke said the PDP chairman was subsequently taken to an undisclosed location, while no reason had been made public for the arrest.

The governor alleged that the incident was part of a broader attempt to prevent his supporters and party members from monitoring the collation of election results across the state.

Adeleke further alleged that security agencies were being used to undermine the electoral process and claimed that the arrests could provide room for manipulation at various collation centres.

“This is the biggest assault on democracy, and I urge everyone involved in this desperate attempt to upturn the will of our people through the use of state institutions,” the governor said.

He called for the immediate release of Bisi and other political detainees allegedly arrested across Osun State.

According to Adeleke, elections should allow citizens to freely choose their preferred candidates without intimidation, threats or force.

Meanwhile, in a separate message on Saturday, Adeleke commended Osun residents for turning out in large numbers to participate in the governorship election.

The governor said the safety of voters remained paramount as the process moved from voting to the collation of results.

“The safety and protection of our people is paramount,” Adeleke said.

He urged security agencies deployed for the election to remain vigilant during the collation of results from polling units to wards and local government areas.

Adeleke also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the highest standards of integrity throughout the collation and declaration process.

“Democracy is at its strongest when we honor the wishes of our people and protect the sanctity of their votes,” he said.

The governor urged Osun residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to the democratic process as the results are collated.

“Let the people’s will prevail,” Adeleke added.

The allegations surrounding Bisi’s arrest have not been independently established, and the circumstances surrounding the reported arrest remained unclear at the time of publication.

Sowore Leads AAC Campaign Walk in Osogbo, Says Osun Is Ready for Change

Omoyele Sowore has joined supporters of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Osogbo, Osun State, in a fresh campaign mobilisation for the party’s governorship candidate, Olajide Esan.

Sowore shared images and a message from the campaign on Wednesday, August 12, saying the streets of Osogbo were filled with supporters who turned out to back Esan ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

According to Sowore, the turnout reflected what he described as a growing desire among Osun residents for a different political direction.

“Today in Osogbo, Osun State, the streets came alive as we turned out in force to give our powerful support to the AAC gubernatorial candidate, Olajide Esan,” Sowore said.

He described the atmosphere as energetic and said the campaign was taking the party’s message of what he called “revolutionary change” directly to residents.

“The energy was electric, the enthusiasm was unmistakable, and the message from the people was clear to the effect that Osun is ready for a new direction!” he added.

The latest mobilisation comes just three days before the August 15 Osun governorship election, which has generated intense political activity across the state.

Esan, a 39-year-old entrepreneur and geographer, emerged as the AAC governorship candidate in December 2025. He is contesting alongside his running mate, Bello Muideen Yekeen. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list of candidates included Esan among those cleared to contest the election. 

In recent days, Esan has continued to campaign around a message of citizen-centred governance, arguing that political leadership should serve the people rather than concentrate decision-making in the hands of politicians.

At a recent engagement in Osogbo, the AAC candidate said governance should return to the people and that leaders should be accountable to citizens. 

The campaign has also positioned Esan as an alternative to the major political parties contesting the election.

The AAC candidate has previously criticised rival candidates over their absence from a media-organised governorship debate, arguing that voters deserve the opportunity to hear candidates explain their plans and answer questions about the future of the state. 

Sowore’s appearance in Osogbo therefore adds another layer to the final stage of the AAC campaign. The activist and politician has remained one of the most prominent voices associated with the party since its formation, and his presence is expected to boost the party’s final mobilisation efforts.

In his message, Sowore insisted that the movement would continue taking its message directly to voters rather than relying solely on conventional political campaigning.

“We are taking the message of revolutionary change directly to the streets and to the people,” he said.

He also declared that there would be no retreat from the campaign.

“The movement is growing, and there is NO GOING BACK!”

The AAC campaign has consistently used its “Take It Back” message as part of its political identity, with Sowore calling on supporters to mobilise around demands for fundamental political and economic change.

The Osun election is expected to be closely watched because of the number of prominent political figures and parties involved. The contest includes incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam and other candidates, including AAC’s Olajide Esan. 

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, the competing parties have intensified their final campaigns across Osun.

For the AAC, Wednesday’s Osogbo mobilisation represents an attempt to demonstrate that the party has built a grassroots presence capable of challenging the established political forces in the state.

Sowore’s message also sought to frame the turnout as more than a campaign gathering, portraying it as evidence of growing public interest in an alternative political platform.

However, the ultimate test will come on election day, when Osun voters decide which candidate will receive their votes.

As the final campaign hours approach, all eyes are now on the state and whether the enthusiasm displayed at the various rallies will translate into votes at the polling units.

Sowore ended his message with the party’s familiar call to action: “AAC! TAKE IT BACK! ACTION!”

Osun Police Summon Senator Fadahunsi Over ‘Kill Accord’ Comment

The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, over his viral comments allegedly calling for members of the Accord Party to be killed ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The development comes just three days before the August 15, 2026, governorship poll, amid growing concerns over political tension and possible violence in the state. 

The police invitation followed widespread reactions to a video circulating on social media in which Fadahunsi, speaking in Yoruba, was alleged to have instructed supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to kill Accord members if they were seen in parts of Osun during the election period.

The incident reportedly occurred in Ilesa on Tuesday during an event at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. According to reports, the senator was speaking during a gathering organised following the alleged killing of three APC members in Ilesa. 

In the video, Fadahunsi was quoted as saying that if Accord members were seen in Ilesa before the election, they would be killed.

The comments have generated strong condemnation, with concerns that such rhetoric could heighten tensions between supporters of rival political parties and potentially undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

The Police Command has now moved to question the senator over the circumstances surrounding the statement.

A letter dated August 11, 2026, reportedly invited Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the remarks. 

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Osun election, Samuel Etaifo Erale, reportedly signed the invitation.

The police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed that Fadahunsi had been summoned by the Commissioner of Police.

“I can confirm that he (Fadahunsi) has been summoned by the CP. We will make a statement available regarding it,” Ojelabi was quoted as saying. 

The controversy has added to an already tense political atmosphere in Osun, where parties have been campaigning aggressively ahead of Saturday’s election.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has also reacted to the viral video, demanding action against the senator.

Adeleke described the remarks as more than ordinary political rhetoric, arguing that comments calling for violence could have serious security implications.

The governor said he had raised the matter with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and called for Fadahunsi to be investigated and arrested. According to Adeleke, the IGP confirmed that authorities had seen the viral video and assured him that action would be taken. 

“This is now beyond politics. This is now a national security threat,” Adeleke reportedly said.

The latest development is particularly significant because the Osun election has already been characterised by accusations and counter-accusations between the major political camps.

The APC is backing its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, while the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration is seeking another term.

The Accord Party is also participating in the election, making the alleged threat against its members a matter of concern for the party and election observers.

Another APC-linked figure, Francis Eniade, has also reportedly come under criticism after a separate video circulated in which he allegedly told non-APC members not to come out to vote in Odo-Otin Local Government Area on election day. 

The two incidents have intensified calls for political actors to moderate their language and allow voters to participate freely.

The police invitation also comes at a time when security arrangements for the Osun election have been receiving increased attention, with authorities under pressure to prevent political violence before, during and after the poll.

For many observers, the concern goes beyond the individuals involved. Statements encouraging violence during an election can create fear among voters, discourage participation and increase the possibility of clashes between supporters of competing parties.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expected to oversee the poll.

As political parties make their final push for votes, attention will now turn to how the police handle the investigation into Fadahunsi’s alleged remarks and whether further action will follow.

The senator’s summons does not, by itself, establish guilt. The police are expected to hear his explanation and determine the appropriate next steps based on the outcome of their investigation.

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, the latest controversy has once again placed political language and election security at the centre of the Osun campaign.

The expectation among residents, political parties and observers is that all sides will allow voters to exercise their rights without threats, intimidation or violence.

Uzodimma Tells Davido to Prepare Adeleke for Life After Office, Says He Can Join His Music Band

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has fired back at Afrobeats star Davido over the singer’s recent comments on the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, telling him to prepare Governor Ademola Adeleke for life after office because he believes the incumbent governor is headed for defeat.

The exchange follows Davido’s public appeal urging an unnamed politician from Imo State to allow Osun residents conduct a free and fair election without external interference. Davido, who has actively campaigned for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, warned against any attempt to influence the August 15 governorship poll.

Responding through his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Governor Uzodimma dismissed Davido’s appeal, saying it was misplaced.

According to the governor’s aide, Davido appeared to have directed his comments at Uzodimma because he chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum and his wife is from Imo State.

“It is rather pedestrian for Davido to direct such an appeal to the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum simply because his wife is from Imo State,” the statement said.

Uzodimma insisted that the election would ultimately be decided by the people of Osun State, not by politicians from outside the state.

“His appeal should instead be directed to the people of Osun State, who will ultimately decide the election’s outcome through their votes,” the statement added.

The governor reaffirmed his support for a peaceful, transparent and credible election, stating that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would continue mobilising support for its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

He also criticised the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleging that it had failed to meet the expectations of many residents.

According to Uzodimma, growing dissatisfaction among voters suggests that many are prepared to vote for a new government.

“The signals emerging from across Osun State are clear. There is a growing indication that a significant number of voters have rejected the current administration and are prepared to embrace a new direction,” he said.

In one of the strongest remarks contained in the statement, Uzodimma advised Davido to begin planning for his uncle’s future after the election rather than making what he described as emotional appeals.

“Rather than attempting to influence Governor Hope Uzodimma through emotional appeals, Davido should concentrate on helping his uncle prepare for life after office.”

The statement ended with a sarcastic remark suggesting Adeleke could pursue a career in entertainment if he loses the election.

“Perhaps, Davido should also begin making preparations to officially sign his uncle as a dancer in his musical band because, judging by the mood of the electorate, he may well be out of a political job after the August 15, 2026, governorship election.”

The comments have intensified the political exchanges ahead of the Osun governorship election, where Governor Adeleke is seeking another term in office against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.

Davido has remained one of the most visible campaigners for the incumbent governor, frequently using his social media platforms to rally support while calling for a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process.

Political observers expect campaigns to become even more heated in the days leading up to the August 15 poll.

Adeleke to Tinubu: Osun Will Not Accept Election Rigging

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the August 15 governorship election in the state is free, fair and credible, warning that the people of Osun will resist any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the poll.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Osogbo, the governor expressed concern over what he described as rising political tension in the state, urging the President to intervene and rein in political actors allegedly using his name to intimidate opponents.

Addressing the President, Adeleke said Osun people had accepted Tinubu as Nigeria’s President and deserved the opportunity to freely choose their governor without fear or interference.

“President Tinubu, I am passing this message to you. Osun will not accept any form of rigging. We will come out, vote and protect our votes,” Adeleke declared before supporters.

The governor also reminded the gathering that, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, he had a responsibility to maintain peace while ensuring that residents exercised their democratic rights without intimidation.

He appealed to the President to call the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, to order, alleging that political tensions in the state were escalating ahead of the election.

Adeleke further warned against any attempt to repeat the electoral controversies that marked Nigeria’s political history, saying Osun must not be dragged back to an era of disputed elections and violence.

“We don’t want what happened in 1993 to repeat itself,” he said, while insisting that the will of the electorate must prevail on election day.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched off-cycle polls, with the incumbent seeking another term amid an increasingly competitive political atmosphere. Campaigns have intensified across the state, while political parties continue to exchange accusations over alleged intimidation, violence and plans to influence the outcome of the election.

In recent days, Adeleke has repeatedly called on President Tinubu to act as “the father of the nation” by ensuring neutrality and preventing any abuse of federal influence during the election. He has also alleged that incidents of violence and killings in the state require urgent federal attention.

The governor’s comments have, however, drawn swift reactions from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which accused him of attempting to politicise security issues and divert attention from the campaign. The ruling party insisted that the election should be fought on issues rather than allegations of victimisation and electoral manipulation.

The APC maintained that President Tinubu remains committed to credible elections and dismissed Adeleke’s allegations as unfounded.

With less than two weeks before voters head to the polls, political activities have intensified across Osun State, while security agencies have continued to assure residents of adequate deployment of personnel to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent election, urging political parties and their supporters to maintain peace and allow voters to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to determine who governs Osun State for the next four years and is widely viewed as a significant political contest with implications beyond the state.