By John Dike, Osogbo
Tension is gradually mounting in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, as residents on Thursday staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo, demanding transparency, neutrality, and credibility in the electoral process.
The protesters, drawn from market men and women, youths, students, and members of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria (CCN) and Coalition of Concerned Citizens in Osun State, urged the newly deployed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in the state.
The demonstrators, who arrived in large numbers, besieged the INEC office chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with inscriptions such as “No to backdoor rigging,” “INEC, do not cause crisis in Osun,” “Say no to technical rigging,” and “Osun votes must count.”
Although the protest remained peaceful, it reflected growing public concern over recent personnel redeployments within INEC ahead of the poll.
The coalition specifically questioned the timing and implications of the redeployment of the former REC, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State, and the appointment of Babalola as his replacement.
They also noted concerns over the posting of Mrs. Kemi Ajila as Head of Department (ICT), a key unit responsible for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results.
Speaking during the protest, Adeyemi Samson said residents only want assurances of a peaceful and credible election.
“We are here because we want a free and fair election. Osun is a peaceful state and we want that peace to continue before, during, and after the election,” he said.
A hair stylist, Adebayo Omowumi, also appealed for fairness and transparency.
“We are not here to fight. We only want credible elections in Osun State,” she said.
Concerns Over INEC Transfers
Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens in Osun State, Comrade Musa Akinkumi Abdulsalam (Musadek), called on the new REC to publicly assure residents of transparency.
He described the timing of the transfers as suspicious and warned against a repeat of past electoral crises, referencing the 2007 election experience in the state.
“We want assurance that the election will be free, fair, and credible. Our votes must count without manipulation. We do not want a repeat of past experiences in Osun State,” he said.
He added that sudden changes in electoral management raise concerns about fairness and neutrality.
Responding to the protesters, the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Rufus Ariyo, commended their peaceful conduct and assured them of INEC’s commitment to credible elections.
He said the new REC had already directed officials in the state to adhere strictly to electoral guidelines.
“The REC has warned all INEC officials in Osun to ensure a free, fair, and credible election,” he said.
Also speaking, the Head of Legal Department, Barrister Niyi Fayanju, assured residents that INEC is fully prepared to conduct a credible poll.
He disclosed that the commission had engaged security agencies, DPOs, and stakeholders across 19 local government areas, stressing that voter confidence remains central to the process.
“Be rest assured, your vote will count. There will be no inconclusive election. INEC is fully ready,” he said.
Fayanju also explained that staff transfers are routine administrative exercises and not influenced by the upcoming election.
Broader Electoral Concerns
The protest comes amid broader political tension in Osun State. The State House of Assembly and civil society groups have earlier raised concerns over INEC redeployments, describing them as potentially sensitive given the proximity to the election.
Some groups alleged possible political influence, while others called for stronger safeguards to protect the credibility of the electoral process.
INEC, however, maintains that technological tools such as BVAS and electronic result transmission will reduce opportunities for manipulation and strengthen transparency.
Profile of the New REC
The new REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, is regarded as an experienced electoral administrator.
A legal practitioner, she previously served as Director in INEC’s Legal Department before her appointment as REC in Ondo State in December 2023.
During her tenure, she supervised major elections, including by-elections and the 2024 governorship poll, earning a reputation for discipline and professionalism.
High-Stakes Election Ahead
The August 15 governorship election is already shaping up to be a major political contest, with parties intensifying mobilization across the state.
Analysts say INEC’s credibility will play a decisive role in shaping public confidence in the outcome.
Observers are closely watching how the commission manages electoral preparations, addresses public concerns, and ensures a level playing field for all candidates.
The protest at the INEC office in Osogbo underscores rising public sensitivity and anxiety over the integrity of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.
While INEC insists it is fully prepared to deliver a credible poll, stakeholders say sustained transparency, neutrality, and public engagement will be critical to maintaining trust in the electoral process.
As political activities intensify, attention remains fixed on Osun not only for the outcome of the election, but for what it represents for Nigeria’s democratic credibility.
