As the countdown to August 15 gubernatorial poll in Osun begins, the state chapter of Accord, on Saturday told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to firm up its digital platforms against an alleged plot by hackers recruited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate election results.

The ruling party hinted that cyber hackers allegedly recruited from Lagos and Abuja by the APC have already set up operational base in a popular hotel, located in Osogbo, where they will launch attacks on INEC website in order to doctor the result of the office cycle governorship poll scheduled for next Saturday.

A statement by the Accord chairman in Osun, Victor Akande, disclosed that the hackers’ target was to compromise INEC‘s electronic system and input fake election results into their server.

“We are calling on the electoral commission to firm up its digital system and strengthen its ICT security in the face of cyber threats from the opposition APC. We also call on security agencies to raid the hotel and other illegal centres to stop the ongoing anti-democracy activities.

“While again reaffirming its readiness to mobilise voters and win the August 15 polls, the Accord charged INEC to be on guard and review its digital plan, warning that hacking and manipulating next Saturday polls will be resisted by Osun people, “Akande remarked.

Reacting to the allegation, the APC director of media and information, in Osun, Kola Olabisi, described it as unfounded, pointing out that it was a diversionary tactic of the Accord, which is being hunted by fear of losing the poll.

Olabisi stated, “The allegation that our party is harbouring hackers in a particular hotel in Osogbo is false without any foundation. It is an attempt to lower the esteem of our party in the eyes of the society, which has hit the rock.

“Our party did not need to rig election before our candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji wins the election. Because of his popularity he doesn’t need to rig the election.

“It is the fear of losing the election that is hunting the Accord party functionaries who are peddling the false information. It should be disregarded and discountenanced as there no element of truth in it. It is nothing but a figment of imagination of those peddling the rumour. If there is truth in such allegation the right place to go is the police station, “Olabisi averred.