The Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee, INEC, has appealed to political events in Osun State to make sure peaceable and clear primaries forward of the 2026 governorship election.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, made the decision throughout a stakeholders’ assembly on the upcoming get together Primaries on the Fee’s state workplace on Tuesday in Osogbo.
Dr Agboke mentioned the assembly was a part of the Fee’s steady engagement with stakeholders to make sure that all actions within the election timetable have been effectively understood and strictly adopted.
In his phrases, “We should all the time proceed to have interaction you on every merchandise on the timetable of the 2026 governorship election in order to be on the identical web page with us.”
The Osun INEC boss acknowledged that in line with the timetable, political events have been anticipated to conduct their primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025, according to Part 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“Within the document of INEC, 19 political events are registered in Nigeria, however solely 18 are at present in existence in Osun State. There’s a want for all events to organise themselves to make sure free and honest primaries that uphold the sanctity of the get together system,” he mentioned.
Dr Agboke urged political events to prioritise inner democracy and minimise friction throughout the primaries to stop pre-election disputes.
He additionally emphasised that political leaders should strictly adhere to INEC’s rules and the election timetable.
“Free and honest polls start with the best way events conduct themselves throughout primaries. Peaceable primaries promote democratic values and foster unity inside events.
“As we converse, marketing campaign actions haven’t commenced. No political get together is predicted to take action presently in no matter guise or method,” he declared.
Quoting Part 94(1) of the Electoral Act, he mentioned marketing campaign actions ought to start 150 days earlier than polling day and finish 24 hours earlier than the election.
Dr Agboke suggested events to seek the advice of INEC’s web site for detailed pointers on political rallies, processions, and campaigns.
He expressed concern that some get together members don’t even recognise their get together logos, urging events to accentuate voter schooling and discourage violence and vote shopping for.
“Election is a multi-stakeholder process. INEC alone can’t ship a profitable ballot. Political events should cooperate with us and have interaction their members in voter schooling.
“The menace of vote shopping for has decreased the efficiency of our democratic worth,” he warned.
He revealed that as of October 24, 2025, a complete of 151,593 registrants had accomplished their steady voter registration in Osun State.
He recommended residents for his or her cooperation and inspired others to take part.
He mentioned, “I admire the individuals of Osun State for his or her help. We enchantment to these but to register to take action with a purpose to vote within the coming elections.”
Dr Agboke additionally recommended INEC workers within the state for his or her professionalism and dedication throughout the ongoing registration train.
“So many unfounded tales is perhaps unfold. I implore you all to stay skilled and dedicated to your duties.”
He additionally expressed optimism that every one stakeholders would adhere to the foundations and conduct rancour-free primaries.
Remarking, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Police Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan urged stakeholders to make the election credible.
He assured that electorates won’t be intimated and electoral workers will likely be secure throughout the ballot.
He warned towards electoral vices and referred to as on electorates to report any violence to the police management room at 08039537995 and 08123823987.
The Osun Chairman of the Inter Get together Advisory Council, IPAC, Pastor Victor Akande referred to as for peace and adherence to rule of legislation.
Akande famous that with out this, there can’t be peaceable ambiance for democracy to thrive.
He alleged that some political events have began political campaigns towards the electoral guidelines and pointers and urged political events to conduct a rancour free political primaries.
