The Independent National Electoral Commission has called on election stakeholders in Osun State to play active roles in delivering credible elections as it expands grassroots engagement ahead of the governorship polls.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, made the call during a series of meetings held on Wednesday, the 25th of March, 2026, in Osogbo, Ede North and Ede South local government areas.
Participants at the meetings included representatives of political parties, transport unions, security agencies and civil society groups. Agboke told them that the success of the electoral process depends on how well all parties follow established guidelines.
He stated that election outcomes would strictly reflect the will of voters.
“Nobody will win any election in Osun State without the votes of the people,” he said.
Agboke explained that the meetings were organised across local government areas to engage stakeholders within their communities and improve coordination ahead of the polls.
He described the coming election as special and urged all parties to work together to ensure it remains peaceful.
According to him, “such decentralised consultations were necessary for effective planning and coordination.
“Election activities must be jointly handled by all stakeholders to guarantee success.”
To strengthen accountability, the REC said all ad-hoc staff would be required to sign an affidavit of commitment before deployment. He warned that any violation would lead to prosecution.
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He also cautioned presiding and collation officers against altering results.
“Election matters are serious and should only involve individuals committed to democratic development.
“We will trace any altered result to the responsible official, and such a person will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.
Agboke extended the warning to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, urging them to avoid partisan involvement during the election period.
According to him, “INEC would collaborate with the union strictly in its organisational capacity. A situation room would be established to monitor compliance on election day.”
He noted that the commission has faced misinformation since he assumed office but said preparations for the governorship election remain on course.
Security agencies at the meeting assured stakeholders of adequate measures to maintain order before, during and after the polls.
Electoral officers also identified areas of concern in their jurisdictions, including overcrowding, drug-related activities and thuggery, especially in parts of Ede North, and called for targeted security measures ahead of the election.