Ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a clarion call to all stakeholders to take proactive roles in protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking during an interview on the political programme Gbagede Oselu, aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, warned against the twin threats of vote buying and electoral violence, urging a united front in combating electoral malpractice.
Agboke lamented the rising incidents of violence before and during elections, stressing that no single institution, including INEC, can safeguard the electoral process in isolation.
The REC said, “For us in INEC, we remain committed to curbing the cankerworm of vote buying and electoral violence. But we cannot do it alone. The media, security agencies, civil society organisations, political leaders, and religious institutions must rise to the occasion. Democracy is our collective responsibility.”
He called on political stakeholders, especially political parties and their candidates, to demonstrate ethical leadership by discouraging voter inducement and violence, noting that poverty should not be exploited to manipulate the conscience of the electorate.
“Tell them you don’t need their money to vote. Your conscience should determine the direction of your vote. The conversation on electoral integrity must be a continuous one,” Agboke advised.
Emphasising the critical role of voter education, Agboke tasked community leaders, civil society groups, and the faith-based community to actively engage the public and demystify the electoral process.
He also reinforced INEC’s zero-tolerance policy on internal sabotage, especially regarding the performance of electoral technologies like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). According to him, any staff found undermining the process should be reported to security operatives for prosecution.
“The BVAS must function optimally. If it fails due to deliberate collusion by any INEC official, that person has compromised the process and should be held accountable,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Osun governorship poll, Agboke assured the public of INEC’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and adherence to laid-down regulations. He reiterated that the full force of the law would be applied against any individual or group that attempts to derail the electoral process.
