TICC Query Alleged Unofficial Ebonyi State REC In Osun

Imole Campaign Council has raised alarm over alleged deployment of non customised ballot papers and result sheets and the reported unofficial presence of the Ebonyi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Pauline Ugoyenka ahead Saturday election.

A statement made available by the chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the council, Hon. Bamidele Salam, said Ugoyenka, an ICT expert and alleged close confidant of Governor Hope Uzodinma, was not on the list of Resident Electoral Commissioner deployed to Osun State.

Salam said INEC letter dated August 3, 2026, addressed to RECs from 15 contributing states, clearly identifies the officials and states providing supervision contingents for Osun. Ebonyi State is conspicuously absent from the list.

“So, who authorised Mrs Pauline Ugoyenka’s presence in Osun, and what exactly is she doing here?

“This is an election, not a covert operation. INEC must immediately explain her role, authority and activities in Osun and publish the full list of all officials deployed for the election.

“We call the attention of the National Chairman of INEC to this ugly development where a REC choses to leave her place of posting for an hatchet job in another geo-political zone.

The Council demanded immediate exit of the Ebonyi REC as she was not posted to Osun for any official duties and her presence constitutes grave danger to the electoral health of Osun people.

“We also seek immediate clarification from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on why electoral materials meant specifically for the Osun governorship election would not be duly customised.

“Accord will not accept any arrangement capable of compromising the integrity, transparency or credibility of the August 15 election.

“We therefore demand immediate clarification from INEC and insist that only properly customised ballot papers and result sheets specifically produced and verified for the Osun governorship election must be used.”

Efforts to get reaction of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proved abortive as the Public Relations Officer didn’t respond to text sent to him as at press time.