The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, has promised that there won’t be any violence during the Osun State governorship election on August 8, 2026.
During the INEC annual New Year prayer for 2026, which was conducted at the commission’s state office in Osogbo on Thursday, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, or REC, for Osun State, provided the promise.
The assurance comes as INEC prepares the groundwork for the August gubernatorial election.
Agboke warned against storylines that suggested the governorship election will be marked by unrest and stated that INEC was making significant preparations in advance.
Speaking to commission employees, the REC declared, “Stop saying Osun is going to be war; there is not going to be any war.”
He asked INEC employees in the state to perform their jobs strictly in accordance with the law and cautioned them against any misbehaviour.
Agboke warned employees against letting themselves be used to sabotage the election process and reminded them of the commission’s role.
“Those who tend to ask you to do illegality will be dealt with, and cooperating with them will have consequences,” he said.
As part of steps to bolster the process’s credibility, he revealed that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, or CVR, initiative had been enhanced to identify instances of double registration.
“I’m pleading with everyone to stand up and be prepared to make sure the process is successful. All of the electoral officers will follow my orders on that day,” he declared.
The REC praised the INEC employees in Osun State for their efforts, pointing out that the commission would not have been able to function without their dedication and collaboration.
“Without you, we can’t function and be successful. Help us. Between now and August, let’s take care of ourselves,” he continued.
Agboke added that INEC Osun carried out its responsibilities in a professional manner throughout the state’s political party primaries.
He pointed out that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, the current INEC Chairman, was dedicated to enhancing working conditions throughout the commission and had a strong concern for the welfare of the employees.
Electoral Officers (EOs) are the guardians of INEC’s operations at the local government level and are essential to the success of INEC’s operations, according to Dr. Agboke, who spoke with them separately.
He urged them to keep a careful eye on their personnel and logistics, emphasising the importance of professionalism and discipline.
He also mentioned that Osun State will receive national attention after the election of the governor of Ekiti.
We anticipate that you will assume responsibility for your offices, embody the dedication of your LG employees, and generate ideas that will enable you and your staff to ensure a calm poll.
“Avoid letting your name be tarnished. Recognise that your age and career are at risk. Don’t let anyone make you feel good or bad. “You should be able to demonstrate that professionalism as executive officers,” he stated.