The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that the voter revalidation exercise in Osun State remains on hold.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mutiu Agboke, restated the position on Tuesday during ongoing stakeholder engagement meetings across several local government areas. He explained that the directive to suspend the exercise came from the Commission’s national headquarters and remains in force.
Speaking to participants in Ife North, Ife Central, Ife East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East and Ilesa West, Agboke stressed that credible elections require the collective effort of all stakeholders. He noted that the engagements were designed to encourage open dialogue, build trust and identify practical challenges that could hinder the smooth conduct of the polls.
Concerns raised during the meetings centred on voter apathy, logistical shortcomings and the need for tighter security arrangements.
Agboke reminded political actors that the outcome of elections ultimately lies beyond human control, urging candidates to respect the process. He also called on transport unions, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and security agencies to act responsibly throughout the electoral period.
In a stern warning to corps members, he cautioned against any form of electoral malpractice, alleging that some had previously tampered with results in collusion with politicians. He made it clear that anyone found culpable would face arrest, prosecution and possible imprisonment.
Transport operators were equally put on notice, with the REC revealing that all those engaged for election duties would be required to sign formal undertakings. Any breach, he said, would be treated as deliberate sabotage, attracting legal consequences. He added that transport workers serving as ad hoc staff would not be eligible to vote on election day.
On security, Agboke urged agencies, led by the police, to provide robust protection for collation centres to prevent disruptions or violence.
He reiterated that the will of the people of Osun State would ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
Meanwhile, political party representatives highlighted persistent challenges, including difficulties in reaching voters in remote communities, limited access to continuous voter registration, insecurity in rural areas and network constraints.
Some stakeholders also urged INEC to consider the delineation of towns such as Asipa and Akinlalu to improve voter registration coverage.
Electoral officers and Divisional Police Officers across the affected councils assured the Commission of their preparedness, pledging to address identified flashpoints and strengthen security ahead of the polls.
