OSUN, NIGERIA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, has raised concerns over the alleged exclusion of party agents from some polling units during the OsunDecides 2026 governorship election, while denying allegations that his supporters were involved in vote buying.
Salaam expressed the concerns as voting continued across Osun State, where voters turned out to elect the next governor amid intense competition among political parties.
The ADC candidate said the alleged exclusion of party agents was a matter of concern, arguing that accredited party representatives should be allowed to observe proceedings at polling units and participate in the monitoring of the electoral process as provided by electoral guidelines.
According to Salaam, the absence of party agents from some polling locations could affect the ability of political parties to independently monitor voting, counting and other activities taking place at the grassroots level.
He raised the alarm while speaking on developments surrounding the election, calling on electoral officials and other stakeholders to ensure that all accredited agents were granted access to their designated polling units.
The allegation comes as political parties closely monitor the conduct of the election and report developments from polling units across the state.
Salaam also rejected allegations of vote buying linked to his campaign or supporters. He maintained that his party was committed to participating in a credible and transparent election and urged voters to exercise their franchise without allowing financial inducements to influence their choices.
The denial comes amid persistent concerns about vote buying in Nigerian elections, particularly during the period when voters gather at polling units to cast their ballots. Political parties and candidates have frequently traded allegations of inducement, with electoral authorities warning against attempts to influence voters through financial or material rewards.
The ADC candidate’s comments add another layer to the closely watched Osun election, as candidates and their supporters await the outcome of voting across the state.
Election officials are expected to ensure that accredited party agents, observers and other authorised stakeholders are able to perform their roles without unnecessary obstruction. The presence of agents is particularly important during the counting and recording of results at polling units, where parties rely on their representatives to monitor the process.
As voting continues, attention remains focused on the conduct of electoral officials, the security situation at polling locations and the ability of voters to cast their ballots freely.
Salaam called for calm among voters and party supporters, while urging authorities to address complaints raised by political parties through the appropriate channels.
The election is expected to enter its next critical phase once polling units close and officials begin counting votes. Results from individual polling units will subsequently be collated as stakeholders await the final declaration.
With several candidates competing for the governorship, the ADC will be hoping that its support across Osun translates into votes, while rival parties remain equally focused on securing victory.
The allegations raised by Salaam are likely to draw further attention as the electoral process progresses, particularly if similar complaints emerge from other polling units across the state.
