Concerns are mounting within the Osun State House of Assembly over recent staff movements by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with lawmakers warning that the changes could influence the conduct of the forthcoming governorship election.
At a press briefing in Osogbo on Thursday, April 9, Speaker Adewale Egbedun, speaking on behalf of the Assembly, criticised the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, describing the move as abrupt and lacking transparency.
Beyond the REC’s transfer, the lawmakers disclosed that they had received reports suggesting a broader reshuffle of electoral personnel may be underway.
Officials potentially affected include administrative secretaries, electoral officers, assistant electoral officers, and ICT staff across various parts of the state.
According to the Assembly, “the pattern of these movements had generated apprehension about possible interference in the electoral process”.
“It has come to our notice that there is a deliberate pattern of actions capable of influencing the conduct of elections in Osun State.”
The legislators also drew attention to the absence of similar developments in Ekiti State, which is next in the electoral sequence, questioning why Osun appears to be singled out for such widespread adjustments.
“It is instructive that Ekiti State has not witnessed such widespread redeployments. This raises serious and legitimate questions as to why Osun is being singled out,” the statement added.
READ ALSO: 25 Osun Assembly Lawmakers Dump PDP, Join Adeleke In Accord Party
The Assembly went further to allege that political interests may be shaping the situation, directly linking the developments to a former governor.
“We have credible information linking these developments to the actions and influence of Adegboyega Oyetola,” the lawmakers said.
Despite the concerns, the lawmakers insisted that the will of voters in the state would ultimately prevail over any administrative decisions.
“No amount of administrative changes or deployment of officials will override the will of the people of Osun State,” the Assembly declared.
They also warned against alleged attempts to assign politically aligned individuals to sensitive electoral roles, particularly within the Ife Ijesa Senatorial District.
“We have reports indicating attempts to compromise the process through the use of party members in critical roles such as returning officers and supervisors. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the statement read.
Calling for strict adherence to electoral laws, the Assembly urged all INEC officials deployed to Osun to act within constitutional guidelines.
It also appealed to the international community, development partners, and election observers to closely monitor the situation.
Reaffirming their position, the lawmakers said residents of the state remain vigilant and committed to democratic principles, stressing that only a credible electoral process will be accepted.
The development comes ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.