Osun Guber: NYSC Assures Credible Service As INEC Holds Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting Ahead Of Governorship Poll
Osun State Coordinator of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Ekeng Kubiangha, has reaffirmed the Scheme’s readiness to deploy well-trained and disciplined Corps Members for the forthcoming 2026 governorship election in the state.
The NYSC state coordinator gave the assurance during an Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state ahead of the formal opening of electioneering campaigns by political parties participating in the poll slated for August 15, 2026.
The meeting held at the INEC office also had in attendance political leaders and other stakeholders.
In his remarks, Kubiangha emphasized that all present were critical stakeholders in the electoral process and must collectively safeguard its integrity.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) guiding collaboration between INEC and NYSC, noting that Corps Members engaged for election duties are ‘our children’ and must be treated with dignity and care.
He described as unacceptable any act of harassment or molestation of Corps Members in the course of their national assignment, urging political actors and supporters to conduct themselves responsibly.
Kubiangha assured stakeholders that Corps Members would undergo comprehensive training and would be properly briefed and restrained to ensure professional conduct.
He also reiterated the scheme’s commitment to credible service delivery.
Besides, he called on Electoral Officers to maintain a symbiotic working relationship with NYSC Officials involved in the election process to ensure seamless coordination.
Assuring the gathering of the Scheme’s preparedness, the NYSC boss pledged that he and his management team would move round to monitor the exercise and provide necessary support throughout the election period.
In his opening remarks, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state , Dr Mutiu Agboke, assured that the commission would ensure strict compliance with the legal framework governing elections.
Agboke urged political parties to conduct issue-based campaigns within the ambit of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, warning against actions capable of undermining peace and democratic stability in the state.
In a symbolic gesture reinforcing transparency and legal awareness, the REC distributed copies of the new Electoral Act to party agents present at the meeting.
A major highlight of the meeting was a lecture titled ‘Campaign Beyond the Box – Working Within the Frame’ delivered by Prof. Anthonia Taiye Okosie-Simbine, former National Commissioner in charge of Election and Party Monitoring at INEC and current Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan.
The lecture examined the critical role of political campaigns in deepening democracy, while stressing strict compliance with constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations. Prof. Okosie-Simbine highlighted prohibited campaign conduct and explored strategic campaign dimensions that promote peaceful engagement, issue-based discourse, and voter education.
She urged political actors to focus on policy-driven campaigns rather than divisive rhetoric, emphasizing that sustainable democratic growth depends on responsible political behavior.
The interactive session featured goodwill addresses by service chiefs and other critical stakeholders present.
