Civil society groups in Osun State have raised alarm over alleged irregular staff redeployments within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), submitting a formal petition to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. The petition followed a peaceful demonstration held in Osogbo on Thursday by members of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, who expressed deep concerns about the transparency and fairness of recent personnel changes within the electoral body. The coalition argues that the redeployments, particularly to key positions in local government offices and the state headquarters, may compromise the integrity of the upcoming election.
The group claims that individuals with known political affiliations have been strategically placed into sensitive electoral roles, raising questions about INEC’s neutrality. In their petition, jointly signed by chairman Musa Akinkunmi and spokesperson Oluomo Success, the coalition stated that the pattern of postings appears selective and lacks transparency. “We strongly object to the ongoing redeployments, which appear selective and lacking in transparency,” the group emphasized. They further alleged that some redeployed staff are believed to have strong ties to a major opposition party, a development they say could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The coalition noted that similar large-scale staff movements were not observed in other states preparing for elections, such as Ekiti, nor during the recent governorship poll in Anambra State. “It is difficult to understand why Osun should experience such extensive reshuffling when comparable situations elsewhere did not warrant the same approach,” the petition stated. This discrepancy has intensified scrutiny on INEC’s decision-making process in Osun, especially as the state gears up for a critical election.
Beyond demanding an immediate halt to the redeployment exercise, the petitioners called for an independent review of all recent postings. They also urged INEC to conduct a transparent audit of voter transfer activities within the state, warning that any perceived irregularities could erode public trust in the electoral system. The recent redeployment of Osun’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State has further fueled debate among political stakeholders.
The Accord Party questioned the timing of the move, suggesting political interference, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun rejected the allegations, insisting that INEC’s internal decisions should not be politicized. As tensions mount, the coalition’s petition underscores growing public demand for accountability and impartiality in Nigeria’s electoral management. The outcome of these developments may significantly influence voter confidence and the overall credibility of the 2026 Osun governorship election.
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