Civil society group protests alleged INEC staff redeployment in Osun State

The Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, a civil society group, held a peaceful protest against the alleged mass redeployment of Independent National Electoral Commission staff across Osun State. The group submitted a petition to the Osun INEC headquarters in Osogbo, expressing concerns that the redeployments could negatively impact the August 15 governorship election. The petition, addressed to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, alleged that individuals affiliated with the opposition party were posted to strategic positions in INEC's local government offices and the Osogbo headquarters. Signed by the coalition's chairman, Musa Akinkunmi, and spokesperson, Oluomo Success, the petition stated that the mass redeployment might compromise the election's integrity. The group noted that similar large-scale staff reshuffling did not occur before the recent Anambra governorship election or in Ekiti State, where an election is scheduled before Osun's. The coalition called for an immediate suspension and review of all recent staff postings within Osun INEC offices and a transparent audit of voter transfer activities. They warned against any attempts to manipulate the Osun governorship poll, stating such actions would be resisted. The PUNCH reported that Mutiu Agboke, the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, was recently redeployed to Ondo State, leading to disagreement between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress.