INEC meets stakeholders ahead of Osun pollThe Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday met with key stakeholders across parts of Osun State to prepare for the 2026 governorship election and ensure a smooth process.
The meetings were held in Osogbo, Ede North and Ede South, bringing together political parties, security agencies, transport unions and civil society groups to discuss how the election would be conducted and how all parties could work together.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, led the engagement and explained that the aim was to involve people at the local level so that everyone understands their role before election day.
He said the success of the poll would depend on how well all stakeholders follow electoral rules and carry out their duties. He also made it clear that no candidate would be declared winner without the support of voters.
Agboke described the coming election as important and called for cooperation among all groups involved. He said the commission decided to move its consultations to different local government areas so that issues affecting each community could be properly addressed.
According to him, proper planning and coordination among stakeholders would help prevent problems during the election.As part of new measures, INEC said all ad-hoc staff would be required to sign a written commitment before being deployed.
The commission warned that any staff who fails to follow the rules would face legal action. Electoral officers were also cautioned not to tamper with results, as any irregularity would be traced and punished.
The commissioner also warned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers to avoid political involvement during the election period. He explained that the union would only work with the commission in an official capacity, while a monitoring system would be set up to track activities on election day.
He added that the commission had been dealing with false information since he assumed office but said it would not affect preparations for the poll. Security agencies at the meetings assured participants that they would maintain peace before, during and after the election.
Electoral officers at the local level raised concerns about areas that could pose challenges, including overcrowding, drug use and violence in some parts of Ede North.
They called for stronger security presence in such areas to prevent disruption during the voting process.