Osun Assembly Raises Alarm Over INEC Redeployments, Demands Electoral Transparency

 The Osun State House of Assembly has expressed strong concern over recent developments within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, warning against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process ahead of upcoming elections.

Addressing a press conference, the lawmakers stated that the sudden redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, alongside planned changes involving other key officials such as Administrative Secretaries, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, and ICT personnel, raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

The Assembly described the pattern of redeployments as suspicious, particularly noting that similar actions have not been observed in Ekiti State, which precedes Osun in the electoral calendar. According to the lawmakers, this disparity calls for urgent scrutiny and transparency.

The legislators further alleged that there is credible information linking the developments to the influence of former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola.

They warned that no amount of administrative reshuffling would override the will of the people, emphasizing that residents of Osun State remain politically aware and determined to ensure their votes count.

The Assembly also raised concerns about alleged plans to compromise the electoral process in parts of the state, particularly within the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District. It alleged that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be positioned in critical electoral roles such as returning officers and supervisors.

Describing such moves as unacceptable, the lawmakers said any attempt to undermine the credibility of the election would be firmly resisted by the people of the state.

They called on INEC officials deployed to Osun to operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and electoral laws, stressing that the election must be free, fair, and credible.

The Assembly also appealed to the international community, development partners, and election observers to closely monitor the situation in Osun State.

Reaffirming their commitment to democratic values, the lawmakers stated that the people of Osun would not tolerate any action capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.