By John Dike, Osogbo
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Dr. Olaleke Agboke, has reaffirmed that credible, transparent, and peaceful elections remain the foundation for sustainable development and good governance in Nigeria.
He made this known while delivering a goodwill message at the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) Long-Term Election Security Monitor Training held on Monday, at Adolak Hotel, Osogbo.
Agboke attended the programme with members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) management team.
According to the REC, societies that conduct free, fair, and inclusive elections are more likely to enjoy political stability, public trust, and citizen support for reforms that drive development at both national and sub-national levels.
He warned that electoral processes threatened by violence, vote-buying, misinformation, and disinformation not only compromise the credibility of elections but also erode public confidence in democratic institutions and stall developmental progress.
“Where elections are manipulated or marred by insecurity and unethical practices, democracy is weakened and development suffers,” Dr. Agboke said, stressing the need for proactive measures to safeguard the electoral process.
The REC emphasized that ensuring credible elections is a collective responsibility, calling on election managers, political actors, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media, and citizens to see themselves as co-owners of the democratic process.
He further noted that sustained collaboration among stakeholders is essential to strengthening election security and promoting accountable governance, adding that long-term monitoring plays a critical role in early detection and prevention of electoral threats.
Agboke commended Kimpact Development Initiative for its consistent efforts in promoting democratic values, election security, and citizen participation through capacity-building programmes, describing the training as timely and strategic ahead of future electoral engagements.
The KDI Long-Term Election Security Monitor Training brought together participants from diverse sectors to enhance their capacity for election security monitoring, conflict prevention, and accountability, with the overall goal of supporting the conduct of peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in
