The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, has reiterated that the revalidation exercise remains suspended in the state.
Agboke made this known on Tuesday during the continuation of stakeholders’ engagement meetings held across local government council areas in Osun State, disclosing that the directive for the suspension was issued by the national headquarters of the Commission, stressing that the decision remains binding.
Addressing stakeholders in Ife North, Ife Central, Ife East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East and Ilesa West, he emphasised that national development requires collective responsibility from all citizens.
He said the primary objective of the meeting was to foster dialogue, build trust, and gather firsthand information on challenges that could affect the smooth conduct of the election.
Key issues raised included voter apathy, logistical constraints, and the need for adequate security.
“The coming election involves everyone. Candidates of political parties must accept that God decides who wins and loses,” he said.
The REC appealed to transport unions, members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and security agencies to discharge their duties responsibly during the electoral process.
He warned corps members against engaging in electoral malpractice, alleging that some had previously been involved in misconduct.
“We still find corps members mutilating ballot results and conniving with politicians to sabotage the poll. Such corps members will be arrested, prosecuted and jailed.
“Be careful. Give yourself brain. Pay attention during training and make sure you do the right thing. Where we see unnecessary mutilation or cancellations, such persons responsible will be prosecuted,” he said.
He also cautioned transport unions against alleged conspiracy, noting that all transporters would be required to sign undertakings ahead of the election.
“If issues arise from any transporter, INEC will interpret it as sabotage and such transporter will be prosecuted. Don’t give room for any politician to use you to sabotage the electoral process. Transport workers engaged as ad hoc staff would not be eligible to vote on election day,” be stated.
The REC urged security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police, to ensure adequate protection of collation centres.
“I want security agencies led by the police to secure the collation centres with arms so as to forestall disruption and violence,” he added.
He maintained that the outcome of the election would ultimately be determined by the votes of the people of Osun State.
Meanwhile, representatives of political parties highlighted challenges including failure to capture voters in remote areas, inadequate access to the Continuous Voter Registration process, poor security in rural communities and network issues.
Some stakeholders also called on INEC to consider towns such as Asipa and Akinlalu for delineation to enhance effective voter registration.
Electoral officers and Divisional Police Officers across the local governments assured INEC of their readiness to ensure a peaceful process, pledging to address identified flashpoints and strengthen security arrangements ahead of the election.