The Imole Campaign Council, the platform coordinating the re-election bid of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to address alleged shortcomings recorded during recent off-cycle and by-elections ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The Director-General of the campaign council, Lere Oyewumi, made the call while speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Monday, where he raised concerns over the credibility of previous elections and urged the electoral umpire to strengthen its processes.

Oyewumi alleged that during some recent off-cycle and by-elections held in Ogun, Oyo, Jigawa and Ekiti states, persons suspected to be “mercenary voters” were issued Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, shortly before election day.

He also expressed concerns over the alleged shortage of ballot papers and other sensitive election materials, claiming that some irregularities were recorded during the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, including the circulation of pre-thumbprinted ballot papers.

According to him, technical difficulties linked to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, affected the conduct of elections in Ekiti State and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council polls.

The lawmaker further alleged that during recent elections in Anambra, Ekiti and the FCT, some political parties that did not participate in the contests were listed on ballot papers and result sheets.

Speaking on specific concerns ahead of the Osun governorship election, Oyewumi claimed that the campaign council had received reports of alleged statements by some All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders regarding the possible preloading of BVAS machines ahead of the poll.

“We have been inundated with boastful statements reportedly made by some Osun APC leaders about preloading BVAS machines ahead of the governorship election in the state,” he said.

Oyewumi described the allegation, if proven true, as a serious threat to the integrity of electronic accreditation and a possible indication of an attempt to influence the outcome of the election.

He also raised concerns over INEC’s ongoing distribution of new PVCs, urging the commission to ensure the process remains open, transparent and free from any form of manipulation.

“We have been notified about the commencement of the distribution of new PVCs by INEC. However, we have serious concerns about the transparency of the process, and we hereby warn that any move to disenfranchise Osun voters by withholding their PVCs will not be tolerated,” he stated.

The campaign council insisted that PVC collection must be conducted transparently, warning against any form of proxy collection.

Oyewumi stressed that the concerns raised were not intended to discredit INEC but were aimed at encouraging improvements and ensuring a more credible electoral process through constructive engagement.

He said the Osun governorship election would provide another opportunity for Nigeria’s democratic institutions to demonstrate their commitment to free, fair and transparent elections.

“The people of Osun are peaceful, politically conscious and deeply committed to democracy. They expect nothing short of a free, fair, transparent and credible election that faithfully reflects the wishes of the electorate,” he added.

The campaign council consequently urged INEC to carefully consider the issues raised and take necessary corrective measures before the August 15 governorship election.

In just two days, the eyes of the sporting world will turn to Glasgow, Scotland, as more than 3,000 athletes representing 74 Commonwealth Games Associations gather for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, competing for 215 gold medals across 11 sports.

Among them will be Team Nigeria, one of the Commonwealth’s most respected sporting nations, carrying not only the dreams of millions of Nigerians but also a legacy built over more than seven decades of excellence.

Read Also: ‘I Let My Legs Do the Talking’ — Kanyinsola Ajayi Reveals Formula Behind London Diamond League Triumph

Since making its Commonwealth Games debut in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1950, Nigeria has grown into one of the competition’s traditional powerhouses. From Joshua Majekodunmi’s historic silver medal in the high jump to the country’s dominance in wrestling, athletics, weightlifting, boxing and para powerlifting, Team Nigeria has consistently demonstrated that talent, resilience and determination are part of its sporting identity.

Today, Nigeria’s Commonwealth record stands proudly at 271 medals—82 gold, 84 silver and 105 bronze—placing the nation among the Games’ most successful competitors.

Every medal tells a story.

Every gold represents years of sacrifice.

Every podium finish reflects the determination of athletes who carried the Green and White with pride.

This year’s Games present another opportunity to strengthen that remarkable record.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has challenged Team Nigeria to pursue an ambitious target of 20 gold medals, a feat that would surpass the country’s previous best gold-medal performance of 12, achieved at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It is a bold target, but one inspired by months of careful planning, improved athlete welfare, world-class preparation and encouraging performances on the international circuit.

Preparation has been meticulous.

For weeks, Team Nigeria has trained and acclimatized in Aberdeen, fine-tuning tactics, sharpening fitness and adapting to Scottish conditions before beginning the final move into the Games Village in Glasgow. The NSC has backed the delegation with technical, medical and welfare support, ensuring athletes arrive ready to perform when competition begins.

Confidence has also been boosted by recent performances.

Sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi heads into the Games after equalling the Nigerian 100m record of 9.84 seconds for the third time this season with a stunning victory at the London Diamond League. In para powerlifting, Nigeria once again looks to stars like Folashade Oluwafemiayo, one of the country’s most decorated athletes, as the team targets an early medal when the sport opens competition.

These performances have reinforced belief that Team Nigeria possesses both the experience of established champions and the hunger of emerging stars eager to make their mark on the Commonwealth stage.

Scotland itself is no stranger to the Games.

This will be the fourth time the country has hosted the Commonwealth Games, following Edinburgh 1970, Edinburgh 1986, and the hugely successful Glasgow 2014. Once again, the city is preparing to welcome the Commonwealth family for 11 days of world-class competition, unforgettable moments and sporting excellence.

For Nigeria, however, Glasgow is more than another host city.

It is another opportunity to inspire.

Another chance to raise the national flag.

Another chance to hear the Nigerian anthem echo across medal ceremonies.

Across the country, the anticipation continues to grow. Families are preparing to cheer from their homes, young athletes are looking for heroes to emulate, and a nation waits to celebrate the next generation of champions.

The waiting is almost over.

The training is complete.

The countdown is nearly finished.

Now comes the moment every athlete has worked for.

Two days from now, Team Nigeria will step onto the Commonwealth stage once again—not just to compete, but to continue a legacy that has already delivered 82 gold medals and 271 podium finishes.

The next chapter begins in Glasgow.

2 Days to Go. The Stage Is Set. The Green and White Are Ready.