Osun Guber: Osun IPAC rejects use of uncustomised INEC ballot papers

The Osun State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has rejected the proposed use of uncustomised ballot papers and result sheets for the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

The council, which comprises registered political parties in the state, said the use of such electoral materials could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

Osun IPAC said its position followed a July 22, 2026, court judgment involving the Social Democratic Party, SDP, which it said had implications for the preparation of electoral materials.

The council which made this known in a statement by its caretaker committee chairman, Odesola Oluseye Titus, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to comply with the judgment and ensure that all materials deployed for the election meet the required specifications.

According to the council, “customised ballot papers and result sheets are necessary to safeguard the credibility and transparency of the election. The commission should not proceed with materials that did not comply with the applicable electoral requirements.

“It is unacceptable for INEC to proceed with uncustomised ballot papers and result sheets, especially after a court ruling that has clear implications for the integrity of the election.”

He added, “We demand accountability and adherence to the rule of law and to the Electoral Act 2026, as amended. Every political party deserves a fair process.”

He said INEC should have acted on the court judgment earlier and taken steps to ensure that election materials complied with the required specifications.

He warned that failure to address the issue could raise questions about the conduct of the August 15 poll, while urging the commission to take immediate corrective measures.

The IPAC chairman also alleged that Pauline Ugoyenka, identified as the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ebonyi State, was currently in Osogbo despite not appearing on the list of RECs deployed to Osun State.

Odesola called on the INEC Chairman to investigate and sanction her if found to have breached any electoral rules.

“We stand united in our stance, there is no room for compromise when it comes to the democratic rights of the people of Osun State, Titus said.

“We urge the Commission to take immediate steps to rectify this situation and conduct the election using fully customised ballot papers and result sheets.”

He said Osun IPAC would continue monitoring developments ahead of the election and advocate for what it described as a fair and transparent electoral process.

DAILY POST also gathered that the distribution of sensitive electoral materials earlier scheduled for Thursday was postponed due to the inclusion of the Osun SDP governorship and deputy governorship candidates.

The Osun INEC spokesperson, Musa Olurode disclosed to DAILY POST that the distribution would commence at a yet to be announced date.