Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Anap Foundation, Atedo Peterside, has reacted to the Osun State off-cycle gubernatorial election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to safeguard the credibility of the process.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Peterside emphasized the importance of youth participation in the polls, describing it as the “ultimate nightmare for electoral riggers.”
The interview which was monitored by Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com) Peterside noted that if votes did not count, politicians would not resort to vote-buying.
“In my Arise TV interview today, I pointed out that youths should come out and vote massively, as this constitutes the ultimate nightmare for electoral riggers. If votes truly do not count, politicians would not be seeking to buy votes,” Peterside said.
He further charged INEC to ensure transparency by uploading at least 95 percent of polling unit results to its IREV platform by 6 p.m., stressing that citizens must insist on the sanctity of the secret ballot.
“INEC and our security agencies are on trial in today’s Osun Governorship Elections. Citizens must demand a secret ballot because it is their right. INEC must not fail to upload 95% of the Polling Units results on its IREV Platform for all to see by 6pm today. No more excuses,” he added.
The election, which has drawn significant national attention, is seen as a litmus test for Nigeria’s electoral system and the credibility of democratic institutions.
