INEC Warns of Prosecution for Electoral Offences Ahead of Osun Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that it is prepared to prosecute anyone found guilty of electoral offences ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mutiu Agboke, issued the warning on Tuesday during separate stakeholders’ meetings held in Ifelodun and Olorunda Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the Ifelodun INEC office, Agboke disclosed that all commission staff, including ad-hoc and election personnel, had signed undertakings committing to strict adherence to electoral guidelines.

He commended stakeholders for their turnout and cooperation, expressing optimism that the forthcoming election would be peaceful and credible.

According to him, the meetings were convened to review developments within the local governments, assess election preparedness, receive reports from political parties, and ensure the inclusion of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“They have all signed an undertaking. They know the implications of going against the agreement. If they dare go against it, INEC will ensure that the guilty party goes to jail,” Agboke said.

He revealed that the Commission had reached an understanding with the Nigeria Police Force, the lead security agency during elections, to ensure that all personnel operate in line with electoral laws.

Agboke urged NURTW members to carry out their duties professionally, stressing that they would be working for the country rather than any political interest during the election.

“At the time of the election, NURTW members engaged are working for Nigeria and not for any political party or interest,” he said.

He also directed transport workers to ensure the safe conveyance of election staff to and from polling units.

“NURTW should ensure that when they transport staff to their polling units, they bring them back safely at the end of the day,” he added.

The REC further appealed to security personnel and election officials to be diligent, noting that prompt commencement of voting depends on their efficiency. He also called on political parties to provide credible and verified information to aid planning and coordination.

Agboke assured persons with disabilities that adequate provisions would be made to meet their needs before and during the election.

“What you need we will provide, but whatever your specific needs, please make them known to INEC,” he said, adding that votes would count and winners would emerge strictly based on the outcome of the ballot.

At the Olorunda INEC office, the REC emphasised that not all challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process should be attributed to INEC, noting that the integrity of elections also depends on activities at collation centres.

“Elections do not start at the polling units, even though voting starts there. The real election starts at the collation centres,” he stated, urging vigilance at collation points.

Also speaking, the Electoral Officer for Ifelodun Local Government, Abdulkadir Azeez, identified flashpoints requiring heightened security, including Okeeba, Station Road, and Owode Ikirun areas.

In Olorunda, the Electoral Officer, Hannah Okere, disclosed that the council has 17 staff members, 11 registration areas, and 193 polling units, many of which are located in urban centres.

Meanwhile, Divisional Police Officers for Ifelodun and Dugbe, CSP Dayo Adeosun and CSP Owolabi Joshua, called on stakeholders to support security agencies, emphasising the importance of intelligence gathering and cooperation to ensure a peaceful election.