A fresh political battle has erupted in Osun State ahead of next Saturday’s election, with the ruling Accord Party of Governor Ademola Adeleke and the opposition All Progressives Congress trading accusations over alleged plans to manipulate the poll.
The Accord Party accused the APC of allegedly bringing in hackers from Lagos and Abuja and keeping them at a hotel in Osogbo, the state capital, to compromise the Independent National Electoral Commission’s electronic system.
The party claimed the alleged operatives were working to tamper with election results by gaining access to INEC’s digital platform and uploading fake results.
Speaking on the allegation, the Accord Party’s Chairman Victor Akande, urged INEC to strengthen its cyber security measures and protect its electronic system from possible attacks.
Akande alleged that the suspected hackers had established an operational base at GMT Hotel in Osogbo and called on security agencies to search the facility and other suspected locations to prevent what he described as anti-democratic activities.
He also warned that any attempt to manipulate the results of the election would be resisted by residents of the state.
The allegation comes amid heightened political tension between the two major parties ahead of the poll, with both camps locked in a fierce battle for control of the state.
However, the Osun APC dismissed the claim, describing it as a desperate attempt by the Accord Party to create fear ahead of the election.
The party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, accused the governor’s party of spreading false claims because of fear of defeat at the polls.
Olabisi insisted that the APC had no need to engage in electoral malpractice, saying its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, was capable of winning the election through genuine support from voters.
He challenged the Accord Party to report any suspected hacker or illegal activity to the police instead of making what he described as baseless allegations.
The APC spokesman maintained that the allegation of the party harbouring hackers at a hotel in Osogbo had no evidence and was only aimed at damaging the reputation of the opposition party.
The latest face-off adds to the growing political tension in Osun as parties intensify campaigns and preparations ahead of the election.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
ALSO READ:
OSUN APC CAMPAIGN TURNS BLOODY AS 12-YEAR-OLD BOY IS SHOT IN ILESA
AFTER BOY WAS SHOT AT APC RALLY: Police Detain Osun Commissioner, Adeleke’s Camp Cries Foul
