Osun Poll: INEC Assures Residents of Credible, Peaceful Election

The Osun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reassured residents of its commitment to conducting a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election scheduled for August 15.

The newly deployed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing a group of protesters at the commission’s office in Osogbo.

The demonstrators, comprising market women and members of civil society organisations, had gathered to express concerns over the recent transfer of the former REC, Mutiu Agboke, which they alleged could affect the credibility of the forthcoming poll.

Represented by the Head of Legal Department, Niyi Fayanju, and the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Rufus Ariyo, Babalola assured the protesters that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a free, fair, and conclusive election.

She acknowledged the concerns raised by residents as understandable and pledged to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that every valid vote is counted.

Babalola also clarified that staff redeployments are routine administrative procedures within the commission, noting that the transfer of Agboke was carried out in line with established civil service guidelines.

Some of the protesters, however, maintained that the transfer could have been politically motivated and urged the new REC to remain impartial in the discharge of her duties.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mrs Sadiat Amsat, Ms Temitope Abass, and Mrs Mary Adewale called on INEC to maintain neutrality and ensure transparency in the electoral process.

Also addressing the gathering, the Osun State Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC), Musa Abdulsalam, presented a petition to INEC officials on behalf of the protesters.