INEC assures Osun residents of credible governorship election

In Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, a palpable tension surrounds the upcoming governorship election, as highlighted by The Punch's report. Protesters, including market women and members of a civil society group, voiced their anxieties directly at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, specifically targeting the recent transfer of the former Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke. Their fears are rooted in the possibility of electoral manipulation, a concern that echoes across many Nigerian elections where trust in the process is paramount.

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The commission had put in place arrangements to ensure that the August governorship election would be credible, free, fair, and conclusive.

The newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, stepped in to address these concerns. Represented by senior officials, she issued a strong assurance of a peaceful, credible, and transparent election. Her message was clear: the commission is committed to ensuring that every vote cast by the residents of Osun will be accurately counted and reflected in the final outcome. This direct engagement with protesters and the public signifies INEC's effort to build confidence in the electoral system.

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The residents’ fear was understandable, promising that she was in the state to uphold the integrity of the commission and ensure that every vote would count.

Mrs. Babalola also provided context regarding the transfer of electoral staff, explaining that such movements are routine within the civil service framework and are the prerogative of the commission. This clarification aims to dispel rumors of politically motivated actions, though the protesters remain skeptical, advising the new REC against compromising the election's integrity. The artisans and the Osun Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, who submitted a petition, emphasized the need for impartiality, urging INEC to remain neutral and conduct a transparent process.

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Some protesters who spoke with journalists said they learnt that the transfer of the former REC was politically motivated.

From an Osun State perspective, this election is more than just a political contest; it's a critical test of democratic resilience. While international observers might focus on national political dynamics, the local sentiment revolves around the fundamental right to a fair vote and the assurance that electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the people. The transparency and credibility of INEC's operations are not abstract concepts but direct determinants of political stability and public trust within the state. The concerns raised by the protesters and the assurances given by INEC underscore the delicate balance required to maintain faith in the electoral process.

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Mrs Sadiat Amsat, Ms Temitope Abass, and Mrs Mary Adewale, who are artisans, appealed to INEC not to support any political party but to conduct the election transparently.