The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, has called on political parties to strictly adhere to legal and constitutional guidelines in conducting their primaries ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Agboke made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo by the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Olurode Musa.
He stressed that the credibility of any general election is rooted in the integrity of party primaries, noting that unlawful or poorly organized nomination processes often become the source of pre-election disputes and post-election litigations.
According to him, political parties must ensure transparency, internal democracy, and fairness in choosing their candidates to avoid actions capable of undermining the electoral process. He warned that the Commission would not hesitate to reject candidates emerging from primaries that fail to meet the requirements of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
“The lawful conduct of party primaries is not only mandatory but fundamental to the success of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State,” Agboke said. “INEC expects all political parties to play by the rules, maintain proper documentation, and give equal opportunity to all aspirants.”
Agboke also reiterated INEC’s readiness to monitor party primaries across the state and provide technical support where necessary. He assured that the Commission remains committed to delivering a free, fair and credible electoral process.
With political activities gradually building up ahead of the 2026 polls, the REC’s call is seen as part of INEC’s early efforts to curb malpractice and strengthen internal party democracy in Osun State.
