Osun Guber: CSO Warns INEC Against Manipulation
The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against any act of manipulation in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The network in a statement jointly issued by the coordinator of the Citizenship Citizens Awareness Centre (CCAC) Shenge Rahman, Obafemi Awolowo Centre For Philosophy And Ideology, Olowu Emmanuel: Social Economic and Civil Rights Advocacy (SECRA) Olanrewaju Stephen, Centre for Accountability and Democracy, Tobiloba Richards Agboola : Good Governance Initiative (GGI) Raufu Sodiq Akinkunmi, Youths for Better Nigeria warned against any act that may undermine the confidence reposed in INEC.
The statement reads “the Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State wishes to express its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of emerging signals suggesting a dangerous drift towards partisanship by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2026 Osun Governorship Election.
“Osun State has, over the years, occupied a strategic place in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, often serving as a litmus test and precursor to the general elections. It is therefore alarming that at such a critical time, there are credible indications of a calculated attempt to compromise the integrity of the forthcoming election.
“Of particular concern is the recent transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke from Osun State, alongside strong indications of a planned sweeping redeployment of all Local Government Electoral Officers across the state in addition to other technical staff already transfered.
“Circumstances surrounding Dr. Agboke’s transfer are at best flimsy and unsubstantiated petitions, an assertion that further deepens public suspicion and calls into question the integrity of the decision making process within INEC.
“While we acknowledge that INEC reserves the administrative prerogative to transfer its personnel, we are compelled to question the timing, intent and consistency of these actions.
“Why now? Why was such a widespread redeployment not carried out prior to the Anambra governorship election? Why has a similar exercise not been initiated in Ekiti State, where elections are scheduled to hold before Osun? These questions are not merely rhetorical—they strike at the heart of public trust and the credibility of the electoral process.
“Selective administrative actions of this magnitude, taken in proximity to a major election, raise legitimate suspicions and cast a long shadow over INEC’s neutrality. Even more troubling is the apparent double standard at play.
“The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who has been the subject of a barrage of serious and well-documented allegations of partisanship, has remained in office without any visible accountability measures.
“Yet, in stark contrast, the Commission acted with unusual haste in transferring the Osun REC based on what has been widely described even by the officials of the Commission as flimsy petitions allegedly sponsored by political actors.
“This inconsistency is unacceptable and undermines the moral authority of the Commission.Let it be clearly stated: Osun people are politically conscious, vigilant, and resolute. Any attempt to manipulate the electoral process, whether through strategic postings, administrative engineering, or any other covert means, will be fiercely resisted within the bounds of the law.
“INEC must understand that its constitutional responsibility is to serve as an unbiased arbiter, not a willing tool in the hands of partisan interests. The sanctity of the ballot and the sovereignty of the people must not be compromised under any guise.
“We insist that the will of the Osun electorate must be respected, protected and upheld at all times. Democracy derives its legitimacy from the freely expressed mandate of the people and any attempt to subvert that mandate is an assault on the very foundation of our democratic order. We therefore call on INEC to immediately provide clear, transparent, and satisfactory explanations for these recent and proposed transfers.
“Furthermore, we urge the Commission to halt any actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“In the coming days, the Network will mobilise its members, allies, and all well-meaning people of Osun State to peacefully and lawfully register their displeasure over these troubling developments and the perceived antics of INEC.
“Democracy must be defended, and silence in the face of injustice is not an option.Let it be known that the consequences of any attempt to rig, manipulate, or undermine the will of the Osun people will be grave and far-reaching. Civil society groups across the state and beyond are mobilised and will not hesitate to deploy all lawful means to defend democracy and protect the people’s mandate,” the statement added.
