The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has appealed to political parties in Osun State to ensure peaceful and transparent primaries ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting on the upcoming party Primaries at the Commission’s state office on Tuesday in Osogbo.
Dr Agboke said the meeting was part of the Commission’s continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure that all activities in the election timetable were well understood and strictly followed.
In his words, “We must always continue to engage you on each item on the timetable of the 2026 governorship election so as to be on the same page with us.”
The Osun INEC boss stated that according to the timetable, political parties were expected to conduct their primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025, in line with Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“In the record of INEC, 19 political parties are registered in Nigeria, but only 18 are currently in existence in Osun State. There is a need for all parties to organise themselves to ensure free and fair primaries that uphold the sanctity of the party system,” he said.
Dr Agboke urged political parties to prioritise internal democracy and minimise friction during the primaries to prevent pre-election disputes.
He also emphasised that political leaders must strictly adhere to INEC’s regulations and the election timetable.
“Free and fair polls begin with the way parties conduct themselves during primaries. Peaceful primaries promote democratic values and foster unity within parties.
“As we speak, campaign activities have not commenced. No political party is expected to do so at this time in whatever guise or manner,” he declared.
Quoting Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, he said campaign activities should begin 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before the election.
Dr Agboke advised parties to consult INEC’s website for detailed guidelines on political rallies, processions, and campaigns.
He expressed concern that some party members do not even recognise their party logos, urging parties to intensify voter education and discourage violence and vote buying.
“Election is a multi-stakeholder task. INEC alone cannot deliver a successful poll. Political parties must cooperate with us and engage their members in voter education.
“The menace of vote buying has reduced the potency of our democratic value,” he warned.
He revealed that as of October 24, 2025, a total of 151,593 registrants had completed their continuous voter registration in Osun State.
He commended residents for their cooperation and encouraged others to participate.
He said, “I appreciate the people of Osun State for their support. We appeal to those yet to register to do so in order to vote in the coming elections.”
Dr Agboke also commended INEC staff in the state for their professionalism and dedication during the ongoing registration exercise.
“So many unfounded stories might be spread. I implore you all to remain professional and committed to your duties.”
He also expressed optimism that all stakeholders would adhere to the rules and conduct rancour-free primaries.
Remarking, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Police Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan urged stakeholders to make the election credible.
He assured that electorates will not be intimated and electoral staff will be safe during the poll.
He warned against electoral vices and called on electorates to report any violence to the police control room at 08039537995 and 08123823987.
The Osun Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Pastor Victor Akande called for peace and adherence to rule of law.
Akande noted that without this, there cannot be peaceful atmosphere for democracy to thrive.
He alleged that some political parties have started political campaigns against the electoral rules and guidelines and urged political parties to conduct a rancour free political primaries.