Election stakeholders have been tasked with more responsibility for guaranteeing legitimate elections as the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, steps up its grassroots engagement approach throughout Osun State.
During a series of stakeholder meetings in Osogbo, Ede North, and Ede South local government council areas on Wednesday, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the state’s INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, issued this charge.
Speaking to attendees from political parties, transportation unions, security services, and civil society organizations, Dr. Agboke emphasized that widespread adherence to electoral rules was crucial to the process’s legitimacy.
He emphasized that without winning the mandate of voters, no contender would be proclaimed victorious.
“Without the votes of the people, no one will win any election in Osun State,” he declared.
The REC clarified that the purpose of holding meetings in every local government area was to include stakeholders in their particular communities.
He referred to the election as unique and urged all parties involved to work together to guarantee a peaceful conclusion.
“Such decentralized consultations were necessary for effective planning and coordination,” he said.
“To ensure success, all stakeholders must work together to manage election activities.”
He revealed that all ad hoc employees hired for the election would have to sign an affidavit of commitment to duty before to deployment as part of efforts to increase accountability, and he cautioned that any violation of the oath would result in legal action.
Additionally, Agboke warned election officials—including collation and presiding officers—not to tamper with the results.
Election-related issues are important and should only engage people who are dedicated to the advancement of democracy.
“Any altered result will be traced to the responsible official, who will be arrested and prosecuted,” he declared.
He also warned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) not to engage in partisan activities during the election season.
“INEC would collaborate with the union strictly in its organizational capacity,” he said. On election day, a situation room would be set up to keep an eye on compliance.
Although the REC acknowledged that the Commission had been dealing with false information since he took office, he maintained that these difficulties would not interfere with the Osun governorship election preparations.
Additionally, security services used the conference to reassure interested parties that sufficient plans were in place to keep the peace before to, during, and following the elections.
Election officials called for targeted security interventions prior to the polls in their welcoming message, highlighting areas of concern within their jurisdictions, such as areas prone to overcrowding, drug-related activities, and thuggery, particularly in parts of Ede North.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
