The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political parties in Osun State to ensure their primaries are peaceful, transparent, and in line with the Electoral Act 2022, ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The call was made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the INEC state office in Osogbo on Tuesday.
Dr. Agboke explained that the meeting was part of INEC’s engagement with stakeholders to ensure that all political actors understand and comply with the election timetable. According to him, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025, in accordance with Section 84 of the Electoral Act. He noted that while 19 political parties are registered in Nigeria, only 18 are currently active in Osun State.
The INEC Commissioner urged parties to uphold internal democracy, minimize internal crises, and avoid acts that could lead to pre-election disputes. He stressed that credible elections begin with peaceful party primaries, adding that campaign activities had not yet commenced and parties must refrain from premature campaigning. Quoting Section 94(1) of the Act, he reminded parties that campaigns can only start 150 days before election day and must end 24 hours before polling.
Dr. Agboke also urged parties to intensify voter education and discourage violence and vote buying, warning that these practices weaken Nigeria’s democracy. He revealed that as of October 24, 2025, over 151,000 registrants had completed their Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Osun State. He praised INEC staff for their professionalism and urged residents who have not registered to do so before the election.
In his remarks, Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, assured that the police will provide full security for voters and electoral officials. He warned against electoral violence and urged citizens to report any wrongdoing through the police hotlines 08039537995 and 08123823987. Also speaking, Pastor Victor Akande, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), called on parties to obey electoral laws and maintain peace, warning that democracy cannot thrive in a violent atmosphere.
