Osun Assembly questions INEC redeployments ahead of governorship poll

By Lateef Ibrahim with agency report

The Osun State House of Assembly has raised concerns over recent staff redeployments by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the moves could affect the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election.
Speaker Adewale Egbedun, who addressed journalists in Osogbo on behalf of the lawmakers, described the transfer of Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC)Mutiu Agboke as sudden and lacking clear justification.
The Assembly said it had also received reports of planned redeployments involving key electoral personnel, including administrative secretaries, electoral officers and ICT staff, a development it noted was causing apprehension across the state.
According to the lawmakers, the pattern of the movements suggests possible interference in the electoral process, particularly as similar changes have not been observed in neighbouring Ekiti State, which precedes Osun in the election timetable.
They further alleged that there were attempts to influence the process, linking the situation to political interests and mentioning former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Despite the concerns, the Assembly maintained that administrative changes would not override the will of the electorate, insisting that Osun voters remain determined to ensure credible outcomes.
The lawmakers also claimed there were plans to assign politically affiliated individuals to sensitive roles such as returning officers in parts of the state, describing such moves as unacceptable.
They called on INEC officials to strictly adhere to electoral laws and urged observers, development partners and the international community to closely monitor developments ahead of the poll.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, stressing that only a free, fair and transparent election would be acceptable to the people of Osun.