By Boluwatife Adedokun
A coalition of civil society organisations in Osun State has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against alleged partisanship ahead of the 2026 governorship election, warning that any action capable of undermining the credibility of the poll would be resisted through lawful means.
The warning was contained in a press statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, by the Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State and jointly signed by Yaya Ademola of the Citizenship Citizens Awareness Centre (CCAC); Shenge Rahman of the Obafemi Awolowo Centre for Philosophy and Ideology; Olowu Emmanuel of the Social Economic and Civil Rights Advocacy (SECRA); Olanrewaju Stephen of the Centre for Accountability and Democracy; Tobiloba Richards Agboola of the Good Governance Initiative (GGI); and Raufu Sodiq Akinkunmi of Youths for Better Nigeria.
In the statement, the coalition expressed “deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of emerging signals suggesting a dangerous drift towards partisanship” by INEC ahead of the forthcoming election.
The groups noted that Osun State has historically occupied a strategic place in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, often serving as a litmus test and precursor to general elections, adding that any attempt to compromise the integrity of the poll would erode public trust in the democratic process.
Of particular concern, according to the coalition, is the recent transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, alongside alleged plans to redeploy Local Government Electoral Officers and other technical staff across the state.
While acknowledging INEC’s administrative prerogative to transfer its personnel, the civil society groups questioned the timing and intent of the action.
“Why now? Why was such a widespread redeployment not carried out prior to the Anambra governorship election? Why has a similar exercise not been initiated in Ekiti State, where elections are scheduled to hold before Osun?” the coalition queried.
The organisations argued that selective administrative actions taken close to major elections raise legitimate concerns about neutrality and could cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process.
They therefore called on INEC to provide clear and transparent explanations regarding the transfers and to halt any actions capable of undermining public confidence.
“We therefore call on INEC to immediately provide clear, transparent, and satisfactory explanations for these recent and proposed transfers,” the statement added.
The coalition also disclosed plans to mobilise citizens across the state to peacefully express their dissatisfaction over the developments.
“In the coming days, the Network will mobilise its members, allies, and all well-meaning people of Osun State to peacefully and lawfully register their displeasure over these troubling developments,” it stated.
Reaffirming their commitment to democratic principles, the groups declared, “Osun is not for sale. Osun votes must count. Osun people will not be silenced.”
