Osun Decides Situation Room reports that a network of civil society organisations in Osun State has issued a strongly worded warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging emerging signs of partisanship ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, the coalition condemned what it described as a “dangerous drift” within the electoral body, warning that Osun must not be turned into a testing ground for electoral manipulation.
The groups expressed particular concern over the recent transfer of Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, alongside indications of a broader redeployment of electoral officers across the state. They argued that the timing and circumstances surrounding these actions raise serious questions about transparency and intent.
Questioning INEC’s consistency, the coalition asked why similar redeployments were not carried out in states like Anambra or Ekiti, suggesting that the selective nature of the exercise casts doubt on the commission’s neutrality.
The statement also pointed to what it described as a double standard within INEC, alleging that while swift action was taken against the Osun REC based on “flimsy petitions,” more serious allegations involving top officials have not received the same urgency.
The network comprises Citizenship Citizens Awareness Centre (CCAC), Obafemi Awolowo Centre for Philosophy and Ideology, Social Economic and Civil Rights Advocacy (SECRA), Centre for Accountability & Democracy, Good Governance Initiative (GGI), and Youths for Better Nigeria.
Warning of resistance, the civil society groups insisted that Osun voters are vigilant and will not tolerate any attempt to manipulate the electoral process through administrative decisions or covert strategies.
They called on INEC to immediately provide clear explanations for the transfers and halt any moves capable of undermining public confidence, adding that mobilisation efforts are already underway to defend the integrity of the election.
The coalition ended with a firm declaration that the will of the Osun electorate must be respected, warning that any attempt to subvert it would attract serious and far-reaching consequences.
