OSUN 2026: INEC CAUTIONS PARTIES AGAINST EARLY CAMPAIGNS, CALLS FOR PEACEFUL AND TRANSPARENT PRIMARIES

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, Osogbo.

In his welcome address, Dr. Agboke said the meeting was convened to strengthen collaboration and ensure all stakeholders remain aligned with the election timetable and guidelines. He stressed that all political activities must strictly follow the INEC timetable and the Electoral Act 2022.

“We must all make it a duty to monitor and track every activity in the timetable for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State. Let us all be studious of this timetable because of its dire importance,” he stated.

According to him, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025, in line with Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates political parties to democratically nominate their candidates for elections.

Dr. Agboke revealed that while 19 political parties are registered nationally, only 18 are currently active in Osun State. He called on party leaders to conduct primaries devoid of violence, coercion, or internal crises.

“Free and fair polls begin with the way political parties conduct themselves during primaries. Peaceful primaries promote democratic values, enhance candidate legitimacy, and foster unity within parties,” he said.

He also warned political actors against engaging in early campaigns, noting that Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act stipulates that campaigns can only begin 150 days before election day and end 24 hours before polling.

“As we speak, campaign activities have not commenced. No political party is expected to do so in whatever guise. We must adhere strictly to INEC’s rules and regulations,” the REC cautioned.

Agboke further encouraged political parties to intensify voter education among their members, noting that many voters still struggle to identify party logos or understand basic voting procedures. He said voter enlightenment should not be left to INEC alone.

He emphasized the need to combat vote buying and electoral violence, describing them as “menaces that have eroded the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.”

“Inducement of voters in any form must be campaigned against. Violence in any form must be nipped in the bud. This campaign should be total and carried out by all stakeholders,” he added.

Providing an update on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, the REC disclosed that as of October 24, 2025, a total of 151,593 registrants had completed their registration in Osun State. He commended residents for their cooperation and urged eligible voters who have not yet registered to do so.

Dr. Agboke also praised INEC staff and Electoral Officers in the state for their professionalism and dedication despite attempts by mischief makers to spread falsehood about the ongoing registration exercise.

In his closing remarks, the REC reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a credible, transparent, and peaceful governorship election in Osun State.

“It is the hope of the Commission that all stakeholders will adhere to the rules by conducting rancour-free primaries, engaging in massive voter education, and discouraging vote buying and violence. In togetherness, we shall deliver a credible election in Osun State,” he concluded.