The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Osun State of a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election scheduled for August 15.
The assurance was given on Tuesday by the state’s new Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, while addressing a group of protesters at the commission’s office in Osogbo.
The protesters, made up of market women and members of a civil society organisation, had gathered to express concerns over the recent transfer of the former REC, Mutiu Agboke, which they feared could affect the credibility of the upcoming election.
Represented by the Head of Legal Department, Mr Niyi Fayanju, and the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Rufus Ariyo, Babalola assured the demonstrators that INEC remained committed to conducting a free, fair, and conclusive election.
She acknowledged the concerns raised by residents, describing them as understandable, but emphasized that the commission had already put necessary measures in place to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
“The commission is fully prepared to ensure that every vote counts,” she said, adding that her mission in the state is to uphold INEC’s credibility and deliver a transparent election.
Babalola also clarified that the transfer of officials within the commission is a routine administrative process carried out in line with civil service rules, dismissing claims of political interference.
Some of the protesters, however, maintained that they suspect the transfer of the former REC may have been politically motivated. They urged the new REC to remain neutral and ensure that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of the election.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mrs Sadiat Amsat, Ms Temitope Abass, and Mrs Mary Adewale appealed to INEC not to favour any political party but to conduct a credible and transparent exercise.
Similarly, the Osun State Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, Mr Musa Abdulsalam, who coordinated the protest, formally presented a petition to INEC officials.
The commission reiterated its commitment to a credible electoral process, assuring residents that all necessary steps would be taken to guarantee a free and fair governorship election.
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