As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deepens its grassroots engagement across Osun State, stakeholders have been urged to play a more active role in ensuring credible and transparent elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mutiu Agboke, made this appeal during a series of stakeholder meetings held in Osogbo, Ede North, and Ede South.
Speaking to representatives of political parties, transport unions, security agencies, and civil society groups, Agboke stressed that the integrity of elections depends on strict compliance with established electoral rules. He maintained that electoral victory must reflect the will of the people.
“Nobody will win any election in Osun State without the votes of the people,” he said.
He explained that the decision to hold consultations across all local government areas was designed to bring engagement closer to communities and improve coordination. Describing the upcoming poll as significant, he called for unity among all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful process.
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 disclosed that all ad-hoc staff would be required to sign an affidavit of commitment before deployment, warning that any violation would lead to prosecution.
He also issued a strong caution to electoral officials, including presiding and collation officers, against manipulating 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 similar warnings to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), urging them to avoid partisan involvement. He noted that INEC’s collaboration with the union would remain strictly organisational, with a situation room to monitor compliance on election day.
The commissioner also acknowledged ongoing challenges with misinformation but expressed confidence that preparations for the Osun governorship election would not be affected.
Meanwhile, security agencies at the meeting assured stakeholders of adequate measures to maintain order before, during, and after the polls.
In their remarks, electoral officers pointed out specific concerns within their areas, including overcrowding, drug-related activities, and thuggery particularly in parts of Ede North calling for targeted security strategies ahead of the election.
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