INEC assures Osun residents of credible governorship election

The new Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, gave this assurance while addressing protesters at the commission’s office in Osogbo. The protest, involving market women and a civil society group, was against the transfer of the former REC, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, with allegations of possible election manipulation. Mrs. Babalola, represented by Mr. Niyi Fayanju, Head of Legal Department, and Mr. Rufus Ariyo, Head of Voters’ Education and Publicity, assured protesters that their votes would count and that the commission has made arrangements for a credible, free, fair, and conclusive election.

She acknowledged the residents' fears, promising to uphold the commission's integrity and clarified that staff transfers are a commission prerogative, with the former REC's transfer being in line with civil service rules. Protesters, including artisans Mrs. Sadiat Amsat, Ms. Temitope Abass, and Mrs. Mary Adewale, urged the new REC not to compromise the process or favor any political party. Mr. Musa Abdulsalam, Osun Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, coordinated the protest and submitted a petition to INEC officials.