The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, has cautioned political parties to strictly follow the law as they prepare for their governorship primaries ahead of the 2026 election.
In a statement on Monday issued in Osogbo by the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Olurode Musa, Agboke stressed that lawful and transparent primaries are essential to reducing the high rate of pre-election disputes that usually trail party nominations.
INEC has scheduled the Osun governorship poll for August 8, 2026.
He urged all registered parties in the state to fully comply with the Electoral Act 2022 as well as INEC’s guidelines while selecting their candidates.
“The commission emphasises the need for the conduct of free, fair and peaceful primary elections that reflect the will of party members. Primary elections have often been a major source of pre-election litigation, which can be avoided if parties follow laid-down procedures,” he said.
Agboke added that the approved window for political party primaries in Osun runs from November 24 to December 15, 2026.
According to him, INEC remains ready to provide guidance and support to ensure that the exercise is law-compliant, urging security agencies and other stakeholders to assist in safeguarding the process.
He noted that the commission will closely monitor party activities and will not hesitate to impose sanctions on any party that violates electoral laws or INEC regulations.
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