The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State has reassured residents of its commitment to delivering a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election scheduled for August 15.
The newly deployed Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing a group of protesters at the commission’s office in Osogbo.
The demonstrators, made up of market women and members of civil society organisations, had gathered to express concerns over the recent transfer of the former REC, Mutiu Agboke, which they alleged could affect the credibility of the forthcoming poll.
Represented by the Head of Legal Department, Niyi Fayanju, and the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Rufus Ariyo, Babalola assured the protesters that all necessary arrangements had been made to guarantee a free, fair, and conclusive election.
She acknowledged the concerns raised by residents, describing them as understandable, and pledged to uphold the integrity of the electoral process while ensuring that every valid vote is counted.
Babalola further clarified that staff redeployments are routine administrative actions within the commission, noting that the transfer of the former REC was carried out in line with established civil service procedures.
Some of the protesters, however, told journalists that they suspected the transfer might have been politically influenced and urged the new REC to remain impartial in the discharge of her duties.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mrs Sadiat Amsat, Ms Temitope Abass, and Mrs Mary Adewale, who are artisans, called on INEC to maintain neutrality and ensure a transparent electoral process.
Also addressing the gathering, the Osun State Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, CCNC, Mr Musa Abdulsalam, formally presented a petition to INEC officials on behalf of the protesters.
