The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally requested enhanced security protection for result collation centres and volatile areas during Nigeria’s upcoming Osun State governorship election, scheduled for later this year.
The appeal was made by the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, during a stakeholders’ engagement held across Egbedore, Orolu, and Irepodun local government areas. Dr. Agboke urged the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to adopt a proactive stance, emphasising that securing collation centres is critical to safeguarding electoral results. “Security agencies should be proactive. If you help us secure the collation centres, results will be safe,” he stated.
He characterised any attempt to disrupt the poll as an act against national interest and warned the public to disregard unauthorised information, clarifying that only official INEC releases are authentic. Addressing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, he cautioned against inducement by politicians and the manipulation of result sheets, noting such violations would lead to prosecution.
Political parties were urged to strictly comply with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, with specific condemnation of vote buying and selling. Transport unions were also addressed; the REC highlighted a memorandum of understanding with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). He confirmed that transporters have been paid for two days of service and must remain at their posts, adding that INEC will monitor all deployed vehicles. “Anyone who plans to sabotage INEC efforts… will be arrested and prosecuted,” he affirmed.
Dr. Agboke described the Osun election as significant, being the final major electoral exercise before the 2027 general elections, and noted it will attract considerable national and international scrutiny. He pointed to the reportedly peaceful conduct of the state’s party primaries as a positive indicator.
Divisional Police Officers and other security heads present reaffirmed their commitment to a free, fair, and peaceful election, promising adequate deployment to flashpoints and collation centres. They called for cooperation from community leaders and all electoral participants.
The engagement underscores the coordinated security and logistical framework being mobilised for the Osun governorship poll, with INEC emphasising collective responsibility to ensure a credible outcome. Final preparations will intensify in the coming weeks ahead of the election date.
