{
  "id": 1487453,
  "title": "INEC dismisses ghost, hired voters claims in Osun election",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/inec-dismisses-ghost-hired-voters-claims-in-osun-election",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T13:32:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/inec-dismisses-ghost-hired-voters-claims-in-osun-election/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed allegations of ghost and hired voters during the Osun State governorship election held on August 15. Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Dayo Oketola, assured Nigerians that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) ensured such voting practices were impossible. He cautioned against unverified information and videos circulating online, stating, \"Not everything you see is true.\" Oketola highlighted that the election witnessed a voter turnout of 50.116%, surpassing that of other recent off-cycle elections, proving that voter apathy can enhance poor governance. The peaceful conclusion of the election, despite pre-poll tensions, demonstrated a consistent level of maturity in Nigeria's democracy. The INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair, and inclusive elections guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and their regulations.",
  "summary": "INEC dismisses claims of ghost and hired voters in the Osun State governorship election, stating BVAS made such voting impossible. Learn more about the ele Read More: https://punchng.com/inec-dismisses-ghost-hired-voters-claims-in-osun-election/",
  "key_points": [
    "INEC rejects ghost and hired voters claims in Osun election",
    "BVAS ensured voting practices were impossible",
    "Voter turnout 50.116%, showing maturity in Nigerian democracy"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Osun Election: Govs, ‘political structure’ can’t deliver Tinubu in 2027 – Vatsa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/osun-election-govs-political-structure-cant-deliver-tinubu-in-2027",
        "published": "2026-08-17T13:33:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}