The Independent National Electoral Commission has dismissed claims of ghost and hired voters in the Osun State governorship election, saying the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System made such voting impossible.

INEC Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Dayo Oketola, urged Nigerians to disregard unverified claims and videos circulating on social media following the August 15 election.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Monday, Oketola said only registered voters accredited with BVAS at designated polling units could cast ballots.

“We are in an age of AI, misinformation, and disinformation. Not everything you see is true,” he said, adding that BVAS left no room for ghost or hired voters.

The election was won by Accord Party candidate and incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, who secured 511,067 votes. His closest challenger, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, polled 444,815 votes.

Oketola said the election recorded 50.116 per cent voter turnout, which he described as higher than that recorded in other recent off-cycle elections.

He attributed the turnout to improved preparation and voter participation, while urging stakeholders to address voter apathy ahead of future elections.

Oketola also described the peaceful conclusion of the poll as a sign of growing maturity in Nigeria’s democratic process, despite tensions during the campaign.

He said candidates dissatisfied with the result could seek legal redress, adding that INEC would participate in any resulting court proceedings as required by law.

On the 2027 general elections, Oketola said recent off-cycle elections had provided useful tests of the commission’s preparedness. He called for cooperation from political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders, while urging parties to avoid practices such as vote-buying.