The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims that unregistered, “ghost” or hired voters were used to influence the outcome of the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
The commission urged Nigerians to be wary of videos, screenshots and other election-related claims circulating on social media, warning that much of the content being shared online has not been verified.
INEC’s position comes after the August 15 election, which was won by Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party. The poll has since generated competing narratives online, with some commentators questioning the credibility of the voting process and alleging that individuals who were not legitimately registered participated in the election.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Monday, INEC Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Dayo Oketola, said such claims were inconsistent with the commission’s accreditation process.
According to him, voters were required to be registered and accredited at their designated polling units before they could cast their ballots.
He specifically pointed to the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), saying the technology made it difficult for individuals who were not registered voters at a particular polling unit to participate.
Oketola said Nigerians should exercise caution before accepting election-related information simply because it has gone viral on social media.
He noted that the widespread use of artificial intelligence, misinformation and disinformation had made it increasingly difficult for members of the public to distinguish genuine election footage from misleading content.
“We are in an age of AI, misinformation, and disinformation. Not everything you see is true,” Oketola said.
He maintained that the accreditation process was designed to ensure that only eligible voters could participate at their assigned polling units.
“You cannot vote in an election unless you have been registered and accredited for that specific polling unit,” he added.
The INEC spokesman therefore urged Nigerians to verify the source and context of election claims before sharing them, particularly when such information could inflame political tensions.
Osun records over 50% voter turnout
Beyond the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities, INEC said the Osun election recorded a voter turnout of 50.116 per cent.
Oketola described the figure as encouraging, particularly when compared with turnout figures from previous off-cycle governorship elections.
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He said the level of participation suggested that a significant number of registered voters were willing to take part in the electoral process despite the tense atmosphere that preceded the election.
“According to our records, we had a 50.116% voter turnout in that election. It is better than other off-cycle elections that have been conducted,” he said.
The turnout figure also offers another perspective on an election that was preceded by intense political campaigning, allegations and counter-allegations, as well as concerns about possible violence.
Oketola argued that the eventual conclusion of the election and declaration of a winner demonstrated a degree of resilience within Nigeria’s democratic system.
He acknowledged the tension and fear that characterised parts of the campaign period but said the election ultimately provided voters with an opportunity to exercise their franchise.
“Despite the fearmongering and the tension-soaked campaign in the run-up to the election, the Osun election has come and gone, and a winner has been declared,” he said.
For INEC, the focus now appears to be shifting from the conduct of the election to the battle over the narrative surrounding it.
With social media increasingly becoming a parallel arena for election disputes, the commission is urging Nigerians to separate verified electoral records from claims that may have been created, edited or circulated without sufficient evidence.
The warning comes at a time when the credibility of election technology, voter accreditation and result management remains central to public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.