OSUN GUBER ELECTION: CSOs ASK INEC TO EXPLAIN SUDDEN REDEPLOYMENT OF REC
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on Civic Education in Osun State has raised concerns over the recent redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State, describing the move as sudden and potentially detrimental to public confidence in the electoral process.
In a press statement issued by the national chairman Amb. Dr. Stephen Aremu (Akoni O’Dua), the coalition said the timing of the redeployment was troubling, particularly as the state prepares for a crucial election, and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide clarity on the decision.
The coalition, which is actively involved in promoting civic education, electoral accountability, and citizen participation, noted that it had engaged extensively with the REC during his tenure. It described his leadership as marked by professionalism, openness, and a firm commitment to fairness.
According to the group, Dr. Agboke maintained an inclusive and constructive approach to stakeholder engagement, creating platforms for civil society organisations, political parties, and other actors to contribute meaningfully to discussions on electoral processes. These efforts, it said, were aimed at ensuring credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in the state.
The coalition said it was particularly concerned that the redeployment comes at a time when citizens and stakeholders were beginning to build renewed confidence in the electoral system, largely due to deliberate and strategic engagements led by the REC.
While acknowledging that redeployment falls within the administrative powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the group stressed that the timing and context of the decision could have unintended consequences on public trust, especially as Osun State prepares for a critical electoral process.
It warned that the development could undermine growing trust between citizens and the electoral body, create uncertainty among stakeholders, and potentially lead to voter apathy if not properly addressed.
The coalition emphasized that consistency, transparency, and stakeholder confidence are key pillars of credible elections, and called on INEC to provide clarity on the rationale behind the redeployment. It also urged the commission to ensure that any replacement upholds the same standards of fairness, transparency, and stakeholder engagement, and to take deliberate steps to sustain public confidence in the electoral process in Osun State.
The group further cautioned that actions perceived as abrupt or poorly communicated, particularly ahead of elections, could erode public trust and weaken citizen participation.
INEC has dismissed these concerns, maintaining that the transfer of Dr. Agboke is a routine administrative procedure and not an indication of bias or interference in the 2026 election.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with INEC and other stakeholders to promote free, fair, and credible elections, while urging all parties to prioritise the integrity of the electoral process.
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