The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations working on Civic Education (CCE), Osun State chapter, has expressed concern over the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, describing the development as one that could affect public confidence in the electoral process.
In a statement issued on behalf of the coalition, the group said it received the news of Dr. Agboke’s transfer from Osun State to Ondo State with concern, noting that his tenure in Osun had been marked by openness, stakeholder engagement, and efforts aimed at strengthening electoral credibility.
The coalition stated that during his time in office, Dr. Agboke maintained consistent engagement with civil society organisations, political stakeholders, and electoral actors, which it said contributed to improving dialogue and trust in the electoral system.
“As a coalition of civil society actors engaged in civic education, electoral accountability, and citizen participation, we have had several engagements and dialogues with the REC under his leadership. Throughout these interactions, he demonstrated a high level of professionalism, openness, and commitment to fairness,” the statement read.
It added that the REC’s approach to stakeholder management created platforms that allowed key actors to contribute to discussions around electoral processes, with the aim of promoting credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in Osun State.
However, the coalition expressed concern that the timing of the redeployment could disrupt ongoing efforts to deepen voter confidence and strengthen electoral participation, particularly as the state approaches a critical election period.
“It is therefore worrisome that at a time when citizens and stakeholders were beginning to build renewed confidence in the electoral system owing to deliberate and strategic engagements led by the REC, such a sudden redeployment has occurred,” it stated.
While acknowledging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) retains the administrative authority to redeploy its officials, the group said decisions of such nature should be communicated clearly to avoid misinterpretation and distrust.
It warned that the development could potentially undermine growing trust between citizens and the electoral body, create uncertainty among stakeholders, and contribute to voter apathy if not properly managed.
The coalition stressed that consistency, transparency, and stakeholder confidence remain key pillars for credible elections and democratic consolidation.
The group therefore called on INEC to provide clear explanations for the redeployment and ensure that the incoming REC maintains the standards of fairness, transparency, and stakeholder engagement already established in the state.
It also urged the commission to take deliberate steps to sustain public confidence in the electoral process in Osun State, warning that abrupt or poorly communicated administrative actions in pre-election periods could weaken citizen participation.
“We caution that actions perceived to be abrupt or insufficiently communicated, particularly in pre-election periods, can erode public confidence and weaken citizen participation in the democratic process,” the coalition said.
The statement was signed by Amb. Dr. Stephen Aremu (Akoni O’Dua), National Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations working on Civic Education (CCE).
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