Osun Election 2026: ICPC Confronts Voter Counter as BVAS Failures, Vote-Buying Claims and Tear Gas Disrupt Poll

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Voting is underway across Osun State in the 2026 governorship election, with reports of encouraging turnout in several communities alongside allegations of vote buying, voter monitoring, technical difficulties and security-related disruptions at some locations.

While many polling units have reported relatively calm and orderly voting, several incidents have attracted attention and raised concerns among voters, political parties and election observers.

One of the notable incidents occurred at Akoda Ward 9, Polling Unit 1, in Ede, where an official of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confronted a man wearing a Redeemed Christian Church of God polo shirt who was reportedly counting voters at the polling unit.

Video footage of the confrontation has circulated online, showing the ICPC official questioning the man’s authority to record or count voters at the polling location.

The incident has generated debate over who is authorised to monitor voters and collect information around polling units during the election.

Another controversy was reported in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, where Accord Party agent Ajayi Ayodele raised concerns over individuals allegedly filming and closely monitoring voters at Polling Unit 003, Ward 9.

Ayodele reportedly called on security personnel to intervene, alleging that some people positioned near the polling area were neither accredited party agents nor voters waiting to cast their ballots.

Similar concerns about voter monitoring were also raised at AUD Primary School, Atile, in Irewole Local Government Area.

The incidents have renewed concerns about voter privacy and the need for political actors and their supporters to comply with electoral rules governing activities around polling units.

In Ejigbo Local Government Area, reports of alleged vote buying added another layer of tension to the election.

Voters and party agents reportedly expressed frustration over activities around some polling locations, while there were also reports that some agents wanted ballot papers counted before voting could begin.

Media reports, including coverage by Channels Television, captured some of the agitation surrounding the situation. However, claims of vote buying remain allegations unless independently established by election authorities or supported by further evidence.

Technical difficulties involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) were also reported in parts of Ede North Local Government Area.

At Polling Unit 009, Ward 2, voters reportedly experienced delays linked to difficulties with the accreditation process. Similar complaints were reported at another polling unit in the local government area.

Some voters were reportedly still waiting for accreditation after 10 a.m., prompting frustration among those who had arrived earlier to exercise their franchise.

BVAS is used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to verify voters during elections, making its smooth operation an important part of the accreditation process.

A more serious incident was reported in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, where videos circulating online appeared to show men allegedly dressed as police officers entering a Registration Area Centre where election materials were being distributed.

The men were reportedly seen using tear gas, disrupting activities at the centre and causing confusion among people present.

The identities and official status of the individuals involved could not immediately be independently established from the available footage.

The incident has prompted calls for the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to investigate what happened and establish whether the men were genuine security personnel.

Despite the incidents, voting has continued in many parts of Osun State, with several polling units recording queues and relatively orderly proceedings.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, cast his vote at his polling unit in Ede North, Ward 2, after completing the accreditation process.

His main challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also voted alongside his wife at Ward 9, Polling Unit 011 in Ikire, reportedly at about 10:40 a.m.

Both candidates have urged voters to participate peacefully and allow the electoral process to run its course.

The 2026 Osun governorship election is taking place across the state’s 30 local government areas, with INEC officials, security personnel, party agents and observers deployed to polling locations.

The contest has attracted significant attention as Adeleke seeks another term while Oyebamiji leads the APC challenge.

The incidents reported so far range from technical difficulties and complaints about voter monitoring to allegations of vote buying and a reported disruption involving tear gas.

However, it is important to distinguish between incidents supported by video or eyewitness accounts and allegations that are still awaiting independent verification.

As voting continues, attention remains focused on voter turnout, the conduct of security personnel, the performance of BVAS machines and whether all eligible voters are able to cast their ballots without intimidation or obstruction.

Election authorities and security agencies are expected to respond to complaints and investigate any credible allegations of electoral malpractice.

For voters across Osun, the immediate priority remains the peaceful completion of voting and the protection of the integrity of the electoral process.