The Osun State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over what it described as suspicious developments surrounding the transfer of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State, just months before the gubernatorial election in the state.
The Osun State governorship election is expected to hold in August 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Assembly alleged foul play in the redeployment, warning that the move could be part of a broader pattern aimed at influencing the electoral process in the state.
The lawmakers noted that the timing of the transfer raises serious concerns about neutrality and transparency in the build-up to the polls.
The Assembly expressed particular concern that, unlike in Ekiti State — where a similar pre-election transfer did not occur — Osun’s situation suggests what it sees as a deliberate attempt to interfere in the electoral process.
“We are particularly concerned by a deliberate pattern of actions aimed at influencing the electoral process in Osun State,” the statement read.
The lawmakers further disclosed that they had received “credible information” indicating that additional deployments of “interested people” were being planned.
These, it said, could extend to other key electoral officials, including the Administrative Secretary, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, and ICT personnel across the state.
Raising the stakes, the Assembly insisted that such administrative reshuffles would not undermine the democratic will of the people, stressing that voters in the state remain resolute and vigilant.
“Let it be clearly stated that no amount of administrative changes or deployments of interested officials will override the will of the people of Osun State.
”These calculated efforts, no matter how structured, cannot alter the resolve of our people. The people of Osun State are politically conscious, vigilant, and determined to ensure that their votes count and reflect their true choice,” the statement noted.
The Assembly also revealed reports of alleged plans to compromise the election in the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District, describing the development as troubling and unacceptable in a democratic setting.
“Let it be made unequivocally clear that whoever is deployed to conduct elections in Osun State must do so in strict accordance with the Constitution and the law.
“The election must be free, fair, and credible. Anything short of this will be firmly resisted by Osun people.
“Let it be known that Osun State is politically aware, vigilant, and deeply committed to democratic values. The people of this State will not accept any action, from any quarter, that undermines the credibility of the electoral process,” the statement added.
The Assembly’s position underscores growing political tension in Osun State, as stakeholders continue to call for transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to electoral laws ahead of the forthcoming election.
Already before this new release, the Ademola Administration in Osun have accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempts to manipulate the election, a claim denied by the APC as false and manipulative.
