The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has assured residents of Osun State of a peaceful, credible, and transparent governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Rufus Ariyo, and Head of Legal Department, Mr Niyi Fayanju, gave the assurance while addressing protesters on behalf of the new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, who was unavoidably absent.
They said the new REC, upon assuming office, directed staff to commit fully to conducting a free, fair, and credible election.
The officials also dismissed concerns over the transfer of the former REC, Dr Mutiu Agboke, describing it as a routine administrative process unrelated to any plan to rig the election.
They urged residents to remain calm and maintain peace to ensure a successful electoral process.
Speaking during the protest, the spokesperson for the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, Mr Rauf Sodiq, and a resident, Mr Samson Adeyemi, said the demonstration aimed to demand a free, fair, and credible election from the new REC and other stakeholders.
The protesters marched from Ataoja Bridge to the INEC headquarters in Osogbo, carrying placards with messages such as “No one will intimidate you on Election Day,” “INEC, no to technical rigging,” and “Osun State will not accept backdoor rigging.”
The outgoing Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, wants staff of the commission to ensure that the mandate of the electorate determines the outcome of elections.
Dr. Agboke made the call during his farewell address at a handover ceremony held in Osogbo .
He cautioned staff against allowing themselves to be used for any form of malpractice, stressing the importance of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“Always assure the voters that their votes would definitely count because INEC as a body is created by law to make votes count at all times.”
Dr. Agboke, who warned that any process that determines election winners outside the will of the electorate would undermine democratic values and increase voter apathy, advised staff to uphold the ethics of their profession and resist undue influence.
Reflecting on his tenure, the outgoing Commissioner lauded the staffers for their cooperation and acknowledged varying perceptions about his leadership style.
“To some, Agboke was too tough. To others, too soft. Whatever perception you have, it was all in the name of instilling the spirit to do the right thing.
“I made it a duty to emphasise due process and votes being counted. If I die today and resurrect, it is the same method I will adopt,” He states further.
He also appreciated stakeholders for their contributions to the electoral process in the state and called for continued collaboration to sustain credible elections.
In her remark, The Osun INEC Administrative Secretary, Mrs Victoria Adelusi described Dr Agboke as an administrator who transformed the Commission in the state.
Mrs Adelusi added that INEC being a family wished Dr Agboke success in his efforts to work towards fulfilling the Commission’s mandate.
Recalled, the Independent National Electoral Commission has transferred the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Osun State, Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State.
Dr. Agboke announced the move in a message shared on the official Osun INEC WhatsApp group late on Wednesday.
He said, “I have been transferred to Ondo State. I thank you most sincerely for the support given to me throughout my stay here in Osun State. May God Almighty support you all as well.”
The transfer comes as preparations for the 2026 Osun governorship election gain momentum.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has demanded strict compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026, from all political actors during campaign activities.
Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr Mutiu Agboke, issued the call during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo.
He asserted that political rallies are an essential democratic component, allowing parties to present their visions and voters to assess candidates.
“Campaigns are not merely ceremonial displays of strength; rather, they are constitutionally and legally recognised avenues for presenting policy alternatives and manifestoes to the electorate,” Dr Agboke stated.
He emphasised that electioneering campaigns are integral to democratic practice and should not devolve into mere popularity contests.
“As we approach the campaign season, it is imperative to emphasise that all political activities must be conducted strictly in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC Regulations and Guidelines, the Peace Accord framework and relevant security advisories,” the Osun REC said.
Dr Agboke stressed that campaigns must focus on educating voters about party ideology, mobilising support through persuasion, and strengthening democratic participation.
He urged political parties to centre their rallies on substantive policy issues rather than “rhetorics capable of inciting division among residents.”
In his remarks, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Gotan—represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Ademola Adebayo—stated that INEC requires maximum stakeholder support to organise a credible poll.
Election campaigns by political parties in the state will commence on 11th March.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned corps members who will be participating in the conduct of the 2023 elections against fraudulent acts during the election.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke gave the warning during a sensitisation training for corps members at the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Orientation Camp in Ede, Osun State.
Dr Agboke who noted that the electorate sees corps members as innocent citizens who cannot compromise urged them not to take bribes from anybody to favour any political party.
He explained that sensitisation became imperative to prepare the corps members for the task ahead of them.
Dr Agboke advised the corps members, who will be working as Presiding Officers during the election, to make themselves available for all the training by INEC to enable them to understand their role in the election.
Speaking on the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVC, by residents of Osun State, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, said over 400,000 voter cards are ready for collection.
He called on the people to visit the INEC centres to collect their PVCs without which they will not be allowed to vote during the election.
Only leaders with balanced knowledge, intelligence, courage and clear disposition can deliver the much-desired dividends of good governance to Nigerians.
The immediate past Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Oyo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke gave the advice while delivering a lecture titled “Attaining Our Dream Nationhood: Nurturing the Youth for Decent Leadership” on the occasion of the annual state lecture commemorating Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary by The Muslim Congress, TMC Oyo State in Ibadan.
Dr Agboke, who pointed out that there was a need for Nigerians to know the true character of future leaders before attaining leadership positions, stressed that Nigerian youth, especially Muslims must possess good leadership qualities to take their rightful positions in governance.
While affirming that accepting Nigeria’s destiny as a multi-religious state with over 200 ethnic groupings was important for peaceful co-existence and a better nation, the former INEC REC in Oyo state urged Nigerians to desist from ethnic segregation and religious discrimination.
He tasked the youths to provide leadership in voter education, saying there would be no room for result manipulation or rigging during the coming 2023 general elections.
Dr Agboke called on well-meaning Nigerians and politicians to be more organized and to reduce the suffering of the masses.
In another lecture on the topic “Engendering Morality and the Sanctity of Life: The Islamic Model, the Grand Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations, OIC, Lagos state, Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shaafi’ maintained that nepotism is anti-Islam and called for unity of purpose among Muslims and other Nigerians to foster national development.
Sheikh Shaafi’ advised youths against cybercrime and other criminal activities, noting that adherence to Islamic tenets was a panacea to value restoration and challenges facing Nigeria.
The Islamic scholar, who enjoined parents to instil values in their children, advocated a review of the education curriculum for value reorientation and improved welfare packages for teachers.
He also advised Federal Government to find a lasting solution to lingering insecurity and economic hardship.
Earlier, the chairman on the occasion, Dr Munir Durojaye said the event was a good step to addressing challenges facing Nigeria and in fulfilment of Muslims’ responsibility for societal reformation.
In an address, the TMC National Ameer, Alhaji Abdulwasi’ Bangbala read by Oyo State Wali, Alhaji Daud Oladosu said that the annual state lecture was to inculcate good values in youth and purge Nigerians of primordial sentiments and brainstorm for policy direction.
In a goodwill message, the All Progressive Congress, APC senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr Yunus Akintunde hinted that his ambition was to work for upgrading of Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo and the only College of Surveying, Oyo to university.
Dr Akintunde promised to ensure that constituents enjoy the results of purposeful representation in the Red Chamber.
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Abdurahman Abduraheem represented by the Permanent Secretary (Inspector General of Education, Oyo state), Mrs Faoziyah Oluokun said the state government reintroduced the teaching of Civic and Religious Studies in schools for value restoration.
Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Kayode Odedokun represented by Deputy Director and Head, Planning Research and Strategy, Mrs Ajolayo Akande commended the TMC for organizing the programme in view of its significance to national development.
The event which had the theme “Restoring Our Pristine National Values” was attended by Oyo state Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal represented by Mr Zakariyyah Kunle-Sanni, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakr Agbotomokekere represented by Imam Hassan Onibiyan, religious and traditional rulers as well as Islamic organizations across the state.
Nofiu Busari
Subscribe to our Telegram Channel and join our Whatsapp Update Group
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says the commission will suspend online registration from 30th of this month to enable registrants complete physical registration at designated centres before suspension of last quarter of the Continous Voters Registration, CVR on 30th June, this year. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, who made this known at the fourth stakeholders meeting of the CVR in Ibadan, pointed out that the decision would enable INEC to clean up the registration data, print Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs and compile the register ahead of the 2023 general elections. Dr Agboke stressed that the commission has deployed the Automated Biometric Identification System, ABIS for accreditation and verification. He also explained that the introduction of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS was to engender confidence in the electoral process. The REC, while reiterating that the commission would not reckon with kangaroo primaries from political parties, urged political parties to submit their nominations for the presidential and national assembly through INEC portal from 10th and 17th of June, 2022. Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Kayode Odedokun emphasized the need for Nigerians to adhere to laid down rules and regulations for national development, adding that NOA would always collaborate INEC to improve on electoral process. In a remark, the chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Committee, IPAC, Oyo state, Apostle Dare Ojo stated that the political parties would sustain cordial working relationships with INEC and security agencies with a view to putting an end to electoral malpractices. A member representing Ogbomoso North state constituency in the Oyo state house of assembly, Mrs Olawumi Oladeji while calling for more women participation in politics, promised to disseminate information on collection of PVCs to the grassroots. The Commissioner of Police in Oyo state, Mrs Ngozi Onadeko represented by ASP Akiinlade Akindele gave assurance that the police and other security agencies were committed to providing adequate security of lives and property and prosecute electoral offenders. Religious leaders including the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere representated by Alhaji Abdulrazaq Abdsalaam, the chairperson Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo state, Dr Patricia Amaech-Obi, representative of the Civil Society Organizations, Alhaja Aisha Ismail, representative of Persons Living with Disabilities, Mr. Musa Akinsawe, state, the chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Oyo State, Mr. Qodr Abdsalaam, state chairmen of political parties highlighted their contributions to make the 2023 general elections free and fair. Highlights of the event included explanation of BVAS mode of operations by the Head, INEC ICT unit, Mrs Wumi Balogun and drama presentation by INEC cultural group to sensitize Nigerians on the need to collect their PVCs, shun vote buying and political violence. Sherifdeen Nashirdeen
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says the fourth and last quarter of the Continuous Voter’s Registration, CVR will commence on Monday, 11th April 2022 and last till 30th June 2022.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke made this known during the stakeholders meeting on CVR and its devolution to the ward level at INEC Collation Centre, Ibadan.
Dr Agboke explained that the devolution of CVR to the 351 wards in the state following the expansion of voter access to polling units was to allow Nigerians who have not registered to enrol and those who want to change locations or replace defaced or damaged PVCs.
He gave assurance that all pending PVCs would be available before the 2023 general elections, noting that the commission has concluded work on the Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and Election Project Plan for 2023 polls.
Dr Agboke confirmed that INEC has resolved the wrong siting of newly converted polling units between Ogbomoso North and Surulere Local governments.
Speaking on behalf of other security agencies, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mrs Ngozi Onadeko represented by Mr Ademola Ajakaye promised adequate security of lives and property before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Dr Olukemi Afolarin stated that deepening democracy and the need to move Nigeria forward was a collective task while calling on religious leaders to disseminate information on the necessity to collect PVCs and ensure peaceful conduct at all times.
The chairman of, Inter-Party Advisory Committee, IPAC in Oyo State, Apostle Dare Ojo promised that political actors would play the game according to rules for a better outcome in the next general elections.
A representative of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Roseline Oniyide appealed for the provision of guides and amenities for special people to make it easier for them to vote on election day.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere represented by Ustadh Hassan Ameen and a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Oyo State, Bishop Daniel Oluwajimade pointed out that the pulpit has always been used to sensitize the congregation on the importance of participation in the electoral process.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke paid a courtesy visit to the Olubaban of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun to celebrate his recent installation and keep him abreast of INEC’s activities, as well as soliciting the intervention of traditional institution for a repeat of success in 2023.
Responding, the Olubaban of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, observed that there was the need for all and sundry to do the right thing, irrespective of political affiliations to have credible and peaceful elections in 2023.
