Osun 2026: INEC Assures Credible Guber Poll Amid Protest Over REC Transfer

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Osun State of a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, even as tension trails the transfer of the state’s former Resident Electoral Commissioner.

The assurance was given on Tuesday by the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, while addressing protesters who stormed the INEC office in Osogbo.

The protesters, made up of market women and members of a civil society group, expressed concerns over the redeployment of the former REC, Dr Mutiu Agboke, alleging that the move could be politically motivated to influence the electoral process.

Mrs Babalola, who was represented by the Head of Legal Services, Mr Niyi Fayanju, and the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Rufus Ariyo, appealed for calm, insisting that the commission remained committed to ensuring that every vote counts.

She said INEC had already put in place adequate measures to guarantee a free, fair, credible and conclusive election, stressing that fears raised by residents were understood but unnecessary.

According to her, the transfer of staff within the commission is an administrative decision carried out in line with established civil service procedures, and not influenced by political considerations.

“The commission is fully prepared to deliver an election that reflects the will of the people. No vote will be ignored,” she assured.

Some of the protesters, including Mrs Sadiat Amsat, Ms Temitope Abass, and Mrs Mary Adewale, urged INEC to maintain neutrality and resist any form of political interference in the forthcoming election.

They insisted that the redeployment of the former REC raised suspicions and called for strict transparency in the conduct of the poll.

Also speaking, Mr Musa Abdulsalam, Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens in Osun State, who led the protest, submitted a petition to INEC officials demanding assurances of neutrality and fairness.

INEC, however, reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and maintaining public confidence ahead of the August governorship election.