The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political parties in Osun State to conduct their governorship primaries peacefully and transparently ahead of the 2026 election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at INEC’s state office in Osogbo.
Dr. Agboke explained that the meeting was part of the Commission’s continued engagement with political actors to ensure full understanding and compliance with the 2026 governorship election timetable.
“We must continue to engage stakeholders on every item in the election timetable to ensure we are all on the same page,” he said.
He reminded political parties that, according to the timetable, party primaries must be conducted between November 24 and December 15, 2025, in line with Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The INEC official noted that although 19 political parties are registered in Nigeria, only 18 are currently active in Osun State, urging all to ensure credible and inclusive primaries that respect the sanctity of internal party democracy.
Dr. Agboke cautioned against internal crises that could lead to pre-election disputes, stressing that free and fair general elections begin with transparent party primaries.
“Peaceful primaries foster unity and strengthen democratic values within political parties,” he added.
He warned parties against engaging in early campaigns, noting that by law, campaigns can only start 150 days before election day and must end 24 hours before polling, as stated in Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act.
Dr. Agboke encouraged parties to visit the INEC website for detailed information on approved guidelines for rallies, processions, and campaign activities.
Expressing concern about voter awareness, he observed that some party members could not even recognize their party logos, urging political groups to step up voter education and discourage violence and vote-buying.
“Elections are a multi-stakeholder responsibility. INEC alone cannot guarantee success. Political parties must support voter education and help curb the menace of vote buying, which undermines our democratic process,” he said.
Providing an update on voter registration, Dr. Agboke disclosed that as of October 24, 2025, 151,593 new voters had completed their registration in the state. He commended residents for their participation and encouraged those yet to register to do so.
He also praised INEC staff for their professionalism and urged them to remain committed despite rumours and misinformation.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, also addressed the gathering, assuring stakeholders of maximum security during the election.
“No voter will be intimidated, and electoral officers will be protected,” he assured.
He urged citizens to report any acts of violence or electoral misconduct to the police through 08039537995 or 08123823987.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Osun, Pastor Victor Akande, called for peace and adherence to the rule of law, stressing that democracy can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
Akande, however, alleged that some parties had already begun early campaigns in violation of electoral guidelines and urged all political actors to conduct rancour-free primaries in the interest of peace and democracy.
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