Civil Society Groups Issue Urgent Warning Over Osun Election Mismanagement Risks
Two prominent civil society organizations, the Coalition for Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC) and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), have raised urgent concerns about developments within the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State. They warn that the credibility and peaceful conduct of the state's upcoming governorship election could be severely compromised if immediate corrective measures are not implemented.
Allegations of Selective and Partisan Personnel Redeployments
The groups allege that recent postings and redeployments of INEC personnel in Osun State appear selective, opaque, and overtly partisan. They claim that individuals believed to have affiliations with the All Progressives Congress (APC) are being assigned to sensitive electoral roles across key local government areas. In a petition to INEC chairman Joash Amupitan (SAN), signed by CCNC chairman Abdulsalam Musa Akinkunmi and General Secretary Owolabi Hassan, the development is described as undermining INEC's constitutional role as an impartial electoral umpire.
The petition states that this raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, noting that similar large-scale redeployments were not carried out in Ekiti State, where elections are scheduled earlier, nor during the recent governorship election in Anambra State. This selective approach suggests that Osun State is being unfairly targeted, thereby eroding public confidence in the neutrality of the commission.
Concerns Over Illegal Voter Transfers and Electoral Manipulation
In addition, the groups have raised alarms over alleged illegal voter transfers, claiming that some registered voters have been moved from their original locations to unfamiliar or politically strategic areas without authorization. They describe these alleged actions as a violation of electoral laws and a potential attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election.
The petition warns that any effort to rig the election will be resisted by citizens, emphasizing that voters are vigilant and determined to protect the sanctity of their votes. To address these issues, the groups demand:
- The immediate suspension and review of all recent staff postings in Osun State.
- A transparent audit of voter transfer activities.
- A reassurance about INEC's neutrality and a firm guarantee that the election will be conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner.
CDHR's Concerns Over REC Transfer and Public Trust
Relatedly, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has expressed concern over the recent transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Mutiu Agboke. In a statement signed by its National President Yinka Folarin and National Publicity Secretary Adewunmi Adesina, the group describes the move as ill-timed and capable of fueling suspicion among stakeholders.
Although INEC has the authority to redeploy its officials, the timing of this decision close to the election has heightened tension in the state. The rights group also points to emerging protests and dissatisfaction over the appointment of the incoming REC, Toyin Babalola, warning that such reactions are early signs of declining public trust.
CDHR urges INEC to demonstrate transparency and sensitivity in its decisions, recommending the deployment of a new REC from either the northern or South-Eastern region of the country to help allay fears of bias and restore confidence in the electoral process. It cautions that failure to take proactive steps could reinforce allegations of partiality and undermine the credibility of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
Call to Action and Democratic Principles
Both groups reaffirm their commitment to democratic principles and call on INEC to act decisively to safeguard electoral integrity. They warn that Nigeria's democratic reputation could be at stake if these concerns are not urgently addressed, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent potential election mismanagement and ensure a credible electoral process in Osun State.
