The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will ensure transparency, fairness, and professionalism in the conduct of the Aug.8, 2026 governorship election in Osun.
By Olajide Idowu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will ensure transparency, fairness, and professionalism in the conduct of the Aug.8, 2026 governorship election in Osun.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, said this during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday in Osogbo.
“Let me assure you all that INEC shall ensure a credible process in the upcoming 2026 governorship election in the state. Your votes will count.
“We shall do the right thing at all times. We shall ensure we do our best to ensure your vote counts,” he said.
Agboke also said that the notice of the election had been duly pasted in all the local government offices, including the area office in Modakeke.
He said that with the notice, all activities that would culminate in the governorship election in the state had commenced.
“As of July 31, INEC has registered 1,954,800 electorates; 1,594,006 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had been collected by the electorate, while 360,794 were yet to be collected.
“Residents of voting age who are yet to register for their PVCs are urged to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which will commence on Aug.18,” he said.
Agboke, however, said that a critical examination of the PVC statistics showed that a large number were yet to be collected.
“Concerted efforts are being made with stakeholders to continue creating awareness for the electorate, not just to register but to ensure the collection of the cards.
“Let me reiterate here that as it stands now, no PVC, no voting,” he said.
He urged youths to shun violence and refuse to be used as agents of destruction, fake news and other electoral malpractices during the election.
Agboke also appealed to political parties and other major stakeholders to shun vote buying and violence during the election.
“Electorate should be educated to eschew vote buying and selling by anyone who may want to trade with their votes.
“It should be noted that both violence, vote buying and selling are punishable under the Electoral Act.
“We must all shun them. The media should help against this cankerworm.
“Civil societies must not keep silent in any manner. I appeal to you all to rise up and continue to support INEC Osun State to deliver a credible election,” he said.
Agboke also urged the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to ensure its members avoid hate speeches during campaign activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of security agencies at the meeting promised to ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the election. (NAN)