The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has dismissed claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State that he is plotting to manipulate the 2026 governorship election using the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola described the allegations as false and politically motivated.

He stated, “I believe in democracy and the rule of law. The claims being peddled against me are nothing but false, malicious, and part of a desperate smear campaign by the ruling party, which is on the verge of another resounding electoral defeat.”

The former Osun State governor insisted that he has no influence over INEC, the Police, or the Attorney-General of the Federation, challenging the PDP to present credible evidence to substantiate its allegations.

Oyetola further stated, “Without verifiable proof, this allegation should be treated as the dying gasp of a political party heading for defeat in 2026.”

INEC Reaffirms Use Of BVAS

Meanwhile, INEC has reiterated that the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) remains an essential tool for voter accreditation in future elections.

The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, disclosed in Osogbo that 360,794 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) are yet to be collected in the state.

“The Supreme Court’s judgment did not overrule the usage of BVAS; it only emphasised the fundamentals of the voters’ register. The commission has the power to deploy technology to strengthen the electoral process. Therefore, by 2027, we can introduce any technology because the law provides the basis for it,” Agboke said.

He also called on the media to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to encourage citizens not just to register but to collect their PVCs ahead of the next general elections.