By John Dike, Osogbo
A coalition of civil society organisations in Osun State has raised concern over the sudden transfer of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and planned redeployment of electoral personnel by the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The group, in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by Olowu Emmanuel of Social Economic and Civil Rights Advocacy (SECRA), Olanrewaju Stephen of the Center for Accountability and Democracy, Tobiloba Richards Agboola of Good Governance Initiative (GGI), and Raufu Sodiq Akinkunmi of Youths for Better Nigeria, warned that the development could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
The coalition specifically faulted the transfer of the Osun REC, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, describing it as sudden and coming at a critical period in the state’s electoral timeline.
It also expressed concern over what it termed plans for a sweeping redeployment of local government electoral officers and other key staff.
According to the group, the timing and circumstances surrounding the moves raise serious questions about transparency, consistency, and the neutrality of the electoral body.
While acknowledging INEC’s constitutional prerogative to reassign its personnel, the CSOs questioned why such large-scale administrative changes were being undertaken so close to a major election.
They further noted that similar actions were not observed in other states preparing for governorship elections, arguing that the selective nature of the redeployments could erode confidence in the commission’s independence.
The statement also alleged the existence of double standards within the electoral body, claiming that while some officials facing serious allegations remain in office, others have been transferred based on what it described as unsubstantiated petitions.
Describing Osun as a politically sensitive state with a history of closely contested elections, the coalition warned that any perceived attempt to manipulate the process could provoke public backlash.
The group called on INEC to provide clear and transparent explanations for the transfers and to suspend any actions capable of undermining the credibility of the forthcoming poll.
It also urged residents and stakeholders to remain vigilant, pledging to mobilise citizens to peacefully demand accountability and safeguard the integrity of the election.
Reaffirming its stance, the coalition stressed that the will of the electorate must be respected, warning that any attempt to subvert the democratic process would be resisted through lawful means.
It will be recalled that the Osun resident electoral commissioner Dr Mutiu Agboke has been reoortedly moved to Ondo State while other staff of the commissions in various local government areas were alleged to also suffer the same faith.
