The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged enhanced logistics, coordination, and transparency in the lead-up to the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, gave this assurance during a town hall meeting held at the Osun State Secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on Monday in Osogbo. The meeting was part of early preparations between INEC and transport stakeholders for the upcoming polls.
Dr. Agboke appealed to the NURTW to make their vehicles available for routine inspection and urged the union to ensure that all its members adhere strictly to INEC’s protocols, especially regarding the movement of personnel and election materials.
“There are 19 political parties participating in this election. Every one of them is a stakeholder, and we expect the NURTW to operate fairly. The neutrality and support of your union are vital to the credibility of this election,” he stated.
He emphasized that the 2026 election would reflect lessons learned and improvements from past experiences, noting that INEC is committed to transparency and timely coordination of electoral logistics.
The REC also addressed concerns over the inability of transport workers to vote due to election duties. He revealed that INEC has proposed a bill to the National Assembly that would enable electoral workers to vote wherever they are deployed. However, the bill is yet to be passed into law.
On allegations of misconduct by INEC officials toward drivers, Dr. Agboke announced plans to introduce a toll-free number for lodging complaints and reporting unprofessional behavior. He also assured that compensation for NURTW members would be prompt and transparent, warning against any form of fraud within the process.
To further ensure efficiency, Dr. Agboke disclosed that INEC would deploy technology such as vehicle tracking systems to prevent the diversion of election materials.
He encouraged the union to educate its members on the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which will begin online on August 18 and physically on August 25, 2025. He stressed the need for drivers to remain at their assigned posts and cooperate closely with Electoral Officers (EOs) and Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs).
In response, NURTW Secretary Sunday Niyi Oludare, who represented Chairman Wakeem Nurudeen Alowonle, assured INEC of the union’s full support. He requested a formal communication outlining the number of vehicles required and the allowances involved. He also urged INEC to improve its staff’s attitude towards drivers and consider training them on courtesy and collaboration.
“We are committed to working with INEC to ensure peaceful and successful elections across Osun State,” Oludare affirmed.
The meeting marks a significant step in fostering early collaboration between INEC and key stakeholders as the countdown to the 2026 governorship election begins.
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