…challenges critics to produce evidence
The Civil Society Committee of the AMBO Campaign Council has dismissed allegations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is plotting to manipulate the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, describing the claims as baseless, speculative and unsupported by credible evidence.
The committee was reacting to a publication titled, “Osun 2026: ‘We Cannot Be Bought’ — Civil Society Flags Alleged APC Desperation to Subvert the Will of the People,” issued by the Osun State Civil Society Matter Committee of the Imole Campaign Council.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Jagunmolu Amitolu Shittu, on Monday, the committee said the allegations levelled against the APC were serious criminal accusations but were not backed by any verifiable evidence.
According to the statement, the publication accused the APC of importing illegal voters, inducing voters with money, manipulating Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stealing ballot papers and planning violence to influence the outcome of the governorship election.
The committee, however, argued that the publication failed to identify those allegedly involved, provide documentary evidence, present eyewitness accounts or cite reports from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies or any other competent authority.
It noted that the allegations were based on phrases such as “reliable reports indicate,” “it is alleged,” and “there are claims,” insisting that such expressions could not substitute for credible evidence, particularly on matters capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The committee challenged the authors of the publication to submit any credible evidence in their possession to INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation instead of resorting to media allegations.
It further questioned the neutrality of the group behind the publication, arguing that an organisation operating as part of a political campaign could not simultaneously claim the independence and objectivity expected of a civil society organisation.
The statement maintained that the APC remains committed to democratic principles, issue-based campaigns and full compliance with the Electoral Act and other applicable laws.
It added that the party had consistently urged its members and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electioneering period.
The committee also called on political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies and the media to work collectively towards ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election.
It urged political actors to focus their campaigns on governance and policy issues, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic development, security and social welfare, rather than engaging in what it described as propaganda and unsubstantiated allegations.
The committee appealed to members of the public to treat the allegations against the APC with caution and to support efforts aimed at preserving the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
