The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political actors and other election stakeholders in Osun State to play active roles in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal during a series of stakeholder meetings held across Osogbo, Ede North, and Ede South local government areas on Wednesday.
Speaking to participants drawn from political parties, transport unions, security agencies, and civil society groups, Agboke stressed that the success and credibility of the election would depend on strict adherence to electoral guidelines by all parties involved.
He made it clear that electoral victory would only come through the will of the people, insisting that no candidate would emerge winner without securing valid votes.
According to him, the decision to engage stakeholders at the grassroots level was aimed at strengthening collaboration within communities and ensuring proper coordination ahead of the polls. He described the forthcoming election as crucial and urged all parties to work together to guarantee a peaceful process.
Agboke further revealed that all ad-hoc staff to be deployed for the election would be required to sign an affidavit of commitment, warning that any violation of the oath would attract legal consequences.
He also issued a stern warning to electoral officers, including presiding and collation officers, against manipulating election results, noting that anyone found culpable would be tracked, arrested, and prosecuted.
The REC extended similar caution to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), urging them to avoid partisan involvement during the election period. He explained that INEC’s collaboration with the union would be strictly for logistical purposes, adding that a situation room would be set up to monitor compliance on election day.
While acknowledging the challenge of misinformation, Agboke assured stakeholders that it would not disrupt preparations for the election.
Security agencies at the meeting also reassured participants of their readiness to maintain law and order before, during, and after the polls.
Earlier, electoral officers raised concerns about potential flashpoints, including areas prone to overcrowding, drug abuse, and thuggery particularly in parts of Ede North and called for targeted security measures to address the risks ahead of the election.
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