Osun voters have spoken; INEC must resist every attempt to manipulate the outcome
Mẹkunnu Kọya,
Osogbo, The Mẹkunnu Kọya movement has commended the largely peaceful conduct of Osun voters during today’s governorship election, despite isolated reports of intimidation, violence, vote-buying and other electoral infractions.
The movement noted that incidents including the reported forceful dispersal of voters, alleged carting away of ballot papers, the attack in Ejigbo, the reported assault on the ADC governorship candidate and the alleged intimidation of Alhaja Sekinat Temilade, an aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, did not deter the people from exercising their democratic rights.
Mẹkunnu Kọya observed that Osun voters had demonstrated remarkable courage and determination, particularly in the face of reported vote-buying ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 in some areas.
The movement, however, warned that the relative peace maintained during voting must not be destroyed at the collation stage through manipulation of the electoral process.
It expressed concern over reports that some duly accredited party agents and returning officers were allegedly prevented from accessing collation centres, stressing that such actions could create unnecessary tension and suspicion.
Mẹkunnu Kọya therefore strongly condemned any attempt to manufacture an inconclusive election as a political strategy to alter the outcome or impose an unpopular candidate rejected by the electorate.
The movement called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist every form of political pressure and complete the collation and declaration process transparently, impartially and in accordance with the law.
It stressed that there must be “no midnight abracadabra, no manufactured inconclusiveness, no selective cancellation of results and no manipulation designed to favour an anointed candidate.”
Mẹkunnu Kọya also appealed to security agencies, political parties and all electoral stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility, while urging Osun voters to remain peaceful but vigilant until the final result is declared.
The movement emphasized that voters must protect their mandate through lawful and democratic means, declaring: “Osun voters have spoken with their votes. Let their votes be counted. Let their votes be heard. Let their mandate stand.”
According to Mẹkunnu Kọya, Osun people know whom they voted for, while Nigerians and the international community are watching the collation and declaration process.
It warned that any declaration that fails to reflect the genuine mandate expressed at the polling units would further undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and should be challenged through all lawful democratic means.
The movement concluded with a direct appeal to INEC: “INEC must not disappoint the people of Osun. The electoral umpire must allow the people’s will, not political pressure, to determine the outcome of this election.”
OSUN HAS SPOKEN. LET THE PEOPLE’S VOICE BE RESPECTED.
Mẹkunnu Kọya Blog
15 August 2026

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