The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Barr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, has reiterated the importance of critical stakeholders in ensuring the success of any electioneering process.
According to him, journalists, political parties, and the electorate play pivotal roles in upholding democratic values and electoral integrity.
Barr. Agboke made these remarks during the 9th edition of the Media Parley organized by the Osun State Online Publishers Association, held today 28th August, 2025.
He urged journalists not to deviate from their constitutional responsibility of informing and educating the public on the electoral process. “With the cooperation of critical stakeholders like yours, the success of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State and the 2027 general elections is a done deal,” he stated.
The INEC boss reassured the public that their votes would count, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections. He, however, identified political thuggery as a major threat to the integrity of the electoral process. He called on youths to shun electoral malpractices and resist being used to disrupt the process. Citing the last election, he noted that six individuals were arrested for various electoral offenses, prosecuted, and subsequently fined.
Barr. Agboke also encouraged greater participation of women in politics, stating that the era where women are limited to the position of “Woman Leader” should evolve to a time where women actively contest and occupy elective positions.
On the use of technology in elections, he clarified that the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal is only used to monitor polling unit results in real-time and not to determine the final outcome. He further emphasized that the integrity of elections begins from the recruitment process, describing it as fundamental to credible outcomes.
He urged political parties to refrain from vote buying and other forms of electoral inducement, and called on security agencies to act transparently and decisively in dealing with electoral offenders.
The REC concluded by encouraging eligible citizens to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and ensure they collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). “Coming out for registration alone does not translate to voting,” he warned. He also appealed to politicians to refrain from actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
