By John Dike, Osogbo
A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the Coalition of Concerned Nigeria Citizens (CCNC) on Thursday staged a protest at the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo, raising concerns over recent staff redeployments ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The group alleged that the ongoing postings and transfers within the commission appear selective and potentially partisan, warning that such developments could undermine the credibility and transparency of the August 15 poll.
The protest follows the recent redeployment of the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State, a move the coalition described as suspicious given its proximity to the election.
In a petition titled “Urgent Demand for Transparency,
Neutrality, and Credibility in the Conduct of the 2026 Osun State Election,” addressed to the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, the group demanded greater clarity and accountability from the electoral body.
The petition, signed by civil society actors including Comrade Oluomo Success, Comrade Shayo, Comrade Hassan Tobi, and Comrade Musa Akinkunmi, expressed concern over what they described as a pattern of redeployments into sensitive electoral positions.
“We strongly decry the ongoing wave of postings and redeployments of INEC staff within Osun State, which appear to be selective, opaque, and overtly partisan in nature,” the group stated.
The coalition further alleged that there were indications of individuals with perceived political affiliations being assigned to strategic roles, a situation it warned could compromise the integrity of the electoral process if not addressed.
After submitting the petition, the protesters displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Give us reason for the transfer,” “Stop partisan transfer of INEC staff,” and “All we want is free and fair election.”
Speaking with journalists, CCNC spokesperson, Rahufu Sodiq, popularly known as Oluomo Success, said the timing of the REC’s redeployment had raised concerns among stakeholders.
“We are not interested in political games, but in the credibility of the electoral process. If a REC is accused of partisanship, the public deserves to know the findings that informed such a decision,” he said.
Sodiq added that the group understood the redeployment followed petitions from political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), but insisted that due process and transparency must be ensured.
Also speaking, the coalition’s mobilisation secretary, Comrade Olusayo Babawale Ogunleye, said the group was demanding an immediate review of recent postings, a transparent audit of voter transfer activities, and public assurances from INEC on its neutrality.
Among its demands, the coalition called for a public address by the INEC leadership to reassure citizens of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.
The group warned that any attempt to manipulate the electoral process would be resisted, stressing that residents of the state remain vigilant ahead of the governorship poll.
