By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Osun State that the outcome of the August 15, 2026 governorship election will be determined solely by the votes cast by citizens.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Mutiu Agboke, gave the assurance during an interview on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Thursday. He stressed that the commission is fully prepared to conduct a transparent, credible, and free election.
Agboke explained that INEC has intensified preparations ahead of the poll, including voter education, training of corps members, collaboration with security agencies, and deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
According to him, the final list of candidates has already been published, while political campaigns officially commenced on March 11. He noted that campaign activities are ongoing across the state, even as INEC continues internal preparations to ensure full readiness.
The REC disclosed that the commission is expanding the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to the ward level to enhance participation. He said the move would provide more residents the opportunity to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the election.
On election personnel, Agboke described corps members as critical to the success of the process, noting that they are undergoing continuous training and will be strategically deployed. He clarified that shortlisting for deployment is separate from training, assuring that all selected personnel are adequately prepared for their roles.
He also confirmed that 14 political parties will participate in the election, explaining that preparations began before the registration of new parties, which accounts for their exclusion from the current process.
Speaking on the legal framework, Agboke emphasized that the Electoral Act 2026 remains the guiding law for the election, adding that INEC is operating with subsisting guidelines pending the release of comprehensive regulations.
Addressing concerns about INEC’s involvement in election-related litigation, he explained that the commission is often joined in court cases as a procedural requirement and not as an indication of bias. He reiterated that access to the courts is a constitutional right and does not undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
On the use of technology, Agboke clarified that while BVAS will be used for accreditation, and results will be uploaded to the IREV portal for transparency, collation of results will remain manual from polling units to higher levels. He added that technical teams have been trained to handle potential challenges, including network issues.
The REC further highlighted INEC’s collaboration with security agencies, noting that law enforcement authorities have identified flashpoints and will ensure adequate protection before, during, and after the election. He explained that while INEC is responsible for logistics and conduct of the election, security agencies are tasked with maintaining law and order.
Agboke also addressed concerns over vote buying, stressing that elections are a multi-stakeholder process and that enforcement against electoral offences lies primarily with security agencies, while INEC ensures transparency and compliance.
He noted that voter education campaigns are ongoing across all local government areas, assuring that eligible voters will receive their PVCs before the election.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment, Agboke said the credibility of the election is non-negotiable, urging residents to participate actively in the democratic process.
“The vote of the people will determine who wins the election,” he said.
The Osun 2026 governorship race is expected to be keenly contested, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party facing strong opposition from Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside candidates from other political parties.
Political alignments, defections, and internal party disputes have heightened tensions ahead of the poll, setting the stage for a closely fought election that INEC insists will ultimately reflect the will of the electorate.
