Labour Party challenges Osun REC transfer, urges President Tinubu to intervene

The Labour Party's National Vice Chairman South West, Abayomi Arabambi, has criticized the transfer of Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner REC, Mutiu Agboke, calling it unconstitutional and urging President Bola Tinubu to reverse the decision. Agboke was transferred to Ondo State by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC on April 8, ahead of the August 2026 Osun State governorship election. INEC's Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, stated the redeployment was a routine administrative measure. However, Arabambi argued that the appointment, tenure, and removal of RECs are governed by the 1999 Constitution as amended, specifically referencing the Third Schedule, Part 1, Item F, Paragraph 2, and Section 1541, which require presidential appointment and Senate confirmation. He contended that INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, lacks the constitutional authority to remove a REC and alleged that Amupitan acted on a petition from the Osun State APC Chairman, thereby allowing partisan influence. Arabambi questioned the lack of due process, fair hearing, and evidence in Agboke's transfer, stating it sets a dangerous precedent. He urged President Tinubu to direct Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, to reinstate Mutiu Agboke to Osun State and to remove Toyin Babalola from any role in Osun State or any other state. He also called for a directive that no REC be transferred or removed within 90 days of an election except through the ful