August 15: Civil Society Organisations Will Accept No Excuse From INEC – Babarinde
Mr Funmiso Babarinde, the Chairman of Civil Society Matters for the Imole Campaign Council, for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission that civil society organisations in the state will not accept any excuse for lapses in the conduct of the August 15 gubernatorial election in Osun State.
Babarinde issued the warning on Wednesday in Osogbo while assessing the commission’s level of preparedness ahead of the poll.
Babarinde who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adeleke on Renewable Energy, said civil society groups across the state had been monitoring INEC’s activities in recent months and expected nothing short of a free, fair and credible election.
“INEC has no excuse this time around. The commission has had sufficient time to prepare, and the people of Osun deserve an election that reflects their true choice,” Babarinde said.
The chairman stressed that civil society would be deploying observers across all 30 local governments and Modakeke Area office to monitor voting, collation and the announcement of results.
He also urged the commission to open its portal for civil society organisations that want to monitor the election for registration and accreditation.
Babarinde warned that attempts to disenfranchise voters, delay logistics or compromise the integrity of the election would be met with immediate resistance from the civil society community.
“We are putting INEC on notice that Nigerians are watching. The August 15 election must set a standard for electoral transparency in the country,” he said.
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Babarinde also called on the commission to ensure the timely deployment of materials and personnel to polling units, noting that late arrival had marred previous elections in the state.
The chairman further appealed to security agencies to remain neutral and professional during the exercise, warning that any form of intimidation would undermine public confidence.
He said the Imole Campaign Council was committed to promoting civic participation and would continue to educate voters on their rights and responsibilities before the election date.
Babarinde urged Osun residents to come out en masse on August 15 and defend their votes.
“We will not take any excuse from INEC. The credibility of this election will define the trust people have in our democratic institutions,” he said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
