New Osun REC pledges fairness for August 15 gov poll
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Osun State has registered 381,817 new voters for the upcoming governorship election.
- The new Resident Electoral Commissioner pledged to conduct a credible, fair, and transparent poll on August 15.
- The commission also recorded registrations for people with disabilities and PVC transfers into the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State is gearing up for the August 15 governorship election, with the newly deployed Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, vowing to ensure a credible and transparent process. This assurance comes as the state has seen a significant influx of new voters, with 381,817 individuals registering during the Continuous Voters Registration exercise.
Babalola, who replaces Dr. Mutiu Agboke, emphasized the commission's commitment to reflecting the will of the people. Her pledge for a free, fair, and transparent election is crucial for maintaining public trust in the democratic process, especially in a region where electoral integrity is paramount. The REC also highlighted the registration of 1,391 new voters with disabilities and the transfer of 50,747 PVCs into Osun, indicating a dynamic and engaged electorate.
381,817 fresh voters were recorded after devolution to Registration Areas.
Beyond the numbers, the REC's warning against electoral malfeasance and vote trading signals a firm stance against practices that undermine democracy. The commission treated a total of 499,809 applications, including updates and replacements, demonstrating the scale of operations. As Osun State prepares for this pivotal election, the focus remains on ensuring that all preparations are in place for an exercise that upholds democratic principles and the sovereign right of the electorate.
INEC Osun state under my watch pledges a free, fair, credible, and transparent 2026 Osun state governorship election. We will continue to inform you as we progress in all our preparations for the election.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.