Osun 2026: INEC Under Fire Over Alleged Bias, Controversial Staff Postings

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing mounting pressure over preparations for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, following allegations of partisan conduct, controversial staff redeployments, and questionable voter transfers.

In a strongly worded petition addressed to the INEC National Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan SAN, a civic group, the CCNC, raised “urgent concerns” about developments within the commission’s Osun office, warning that the credibility and peaceful conduct of the election could be severely compromised if immediate corrective measures are not taken.

The group alleged that recent postings and redeployments of INEC personnel in the state appear “selective, opaque, and overtly partisan,” claiming that individuals believed to have affiliations with the All Progressives Congress (APC) were being assigned to sensitive electoral roles across key local government areas.

According to the petition signed by its Chairman, Abdulsalam Musa Akinkunmi, and General Secretary, Owolabi O. Hassan, the development undermines INEC’s constitutional role as an impartial electoral umpire and raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

The group further questioned what it described as inconsistencies in INEC’s administrative actions, noting that similar large-scale redeployments were not carried out in Ekiti State, where elections are scheduled earlier, nor during the recent governorship election in Anambra State.

“This selective approach suggests that Osun State is being unfairly targeted, thereby eroding public confidence in the neutrality of the commission,” the petition stated.

In addition, the group raised alarm over alleged illegal voter transfers, claiming that some registered voters had been moved from their original locations to unfamiliar or politically strategic areas without authorization.

It described the alleged actions as a violation of electoral laws and a potential attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election.

The petition warned that any effort to rig the election would be resisted by citizens, stressing that voters were vigilant and determined to protect the sanctity of their votes.

The group demanded the immediate suspension and review of all recent staff postings in Osun, a transparent audit of voter transfer activities, and a public address by Yakubu to reassure Nigerians of INEC’s neutrality.

It also called for a firm guarantee that the election would be conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner.

In a related development, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) also expressed concern over the recent transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Mutiu Agboke, describing the move as ill-timed and capable of fueling suspicion among stakeholders.

In a statement signed by its National President, Yinka Folarin, and National Publicity Secretary, Adewunmi Adesina, the group noted that although INEC has the authority to redeploy its officials, the timing of the decision—close to the election—has heightened tension in the state.

The rights group also pointed to emerging protests and dissatisfaction over the appointment of the incoming REC, Toyin Babalola, warning that such reactions are early signs of declining public trust.

CDHR urged INEC to demonstrate transparency and sensitivity in its decisions, recommending the deployment of a new REC from either the northern or South-Eastern region of the country to help allay fears of bias and restore confidence in the electoral process.

It cautioned that failure to take proactive steps could reinforce allegations of partiality and undermine the credibility of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

Both groups reaffirmed their commitment to democratic principles and called on INEC to act decisively to safeguard electoral integrity, warning that Nigeria’s democratic reputation could be at stake if the concerns are not urgently addressed.