Osun 2026: INEC Promises Improved Logistics, Transparency Ahead of Governorship Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured stakeholders of enhanced logistics, coordination, and transparency in the lead-up to the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

The assurance was given by the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mutiu Agboke, during a town hall meeting with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), held on Monday at the union’s state secretariat in Osogbo.

The engagement, which forms part of INEC’s early preparations for the forthcoming election, brought together key electoral stakeholders to discuss effective strategies for election day logistics and transport coordination.

Dr Agboke stressed the critical role of the NURTW in the electoral process, especially in ensuring the timely and secure movement of election personnel and materials.

“There are 19 political parties participating in this election. Every one of them is a stakeholder, and we expect the NURTW to operate fairly across board. The neutrality and support of your union are vital to the credibility of this election,” he said.

He urged the union to make its vehicles available for routine inspections and ensure drivers comply with all INEC protocols, particularly during the critical two-day election period.

Dr Agboke noted that unlike the 2022 governorship poll, INEC was able to begin early stakeholder engagement this time due to improved internal organisation. He emphasised that such proactive measures were key to delivering a credible and well-coordinated election.

On the issue of disenfranchisement of drivers and other election support workers, the REC disclosed that INEC had submitted a proposal to the National Assembly seeking legal backing for election personnel to vote from their locations of assignment. However, he clarified that the proposal had not yet been passed into law.

“If approved, it will allow INEC workers and those engaged in election duties to vote on either Friday or Saturday of the election weekend. But for now, they may still be unable to vote in 2026,” he said.

Addressing complaints from drivers regarding the conduct of some INEC staff, Dr Agboke announced plans to establish a toll-free hotline to enable prompt reporting of misconduct. He also assured that all NURTW members engaged by the Commission would receive timely compensation.

He warned against any form of fraud or manipulation in the process and revealed that INEC would deploy technological tools, including vehicle tracking systems, to monitor the movement of election materials and prevent diversion.

The REC also urged the NURTW to educate its members about the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. He explained that online registration would commence on August 18, while physical registration would follow on August 25, 2025.

In his response, the NURTW State Chairman, Alhaji Wakeem Nurudeen Alowonle—represented by the union’s Secretary, Mr Sunday Niyi Oludare—commended INEC for initiating early consultations.

He called on the Commission to officially communicate the number of vehicles required for the election, along with a breakdown of allowances.

Oludare also appealed for better treatment of drivers during elections and urged INEC to sensitise its officials on courtesy and professionalism in dealing with transport workers.

“We are committed to working with INEC to ensure peaceful and successful elections across Osun State,” he affirmed.

The meeting ended with mutual commitments to maintain cooperation and ensure the delivery of a credible, transparent, and efficiently managed electoral process in 2026.