Tension surrounding preparations for the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State has intensified following concerns raised by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, over recent electoral developments in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
In a statement issued jointly on Tuesday by Comrade Yinka Folarin, National President and Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, National Publicity Secretary, CDHR warned that the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, could affect public confidence in the electoral process if not properly managed.
The organisation acknowledged that staff postings fall within the responsibilities of the INEC, but maintained that the timing of the transfer had sparked anxiety among stakeholders.
According to the group, the decision raised questions about neutrality as it came at a critical period as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The CDHR, which noted that early signs of unrest had already emerged, cited reports of dissatisfaction and protests linked to the appointment of the incoming REC, Mrs Toyin Babalola.
It warned that such reactions should not be dismissed, describing them as indicators of deeper concerns within the state’s political environment.
The group stated, “The timing and circumstances surrounding this decision have generated widespread suspicion and tension among stakeholders in Osun State.”
It added that electoral credibility would depend not only on assurances by INEC but also on how it handles sensitive decisions in the build-up to the polls.
The organisation called for what it described as a more neutral approach in the appointment of a replacement, suggesting that a commissioner from outside the immediate region be considered.
“We strongly demand that a new Resident Electoral Commissioner, preferably from either the Northern or South-Eastern region of Nigeria, be deployed to Osun State,” the statement read.
The group argued that such a move would help calm tensions and reduce allegations of bias or undue influence in the electoral process.
It cautioned that failure to address the concerns could undermine trust in the electoral body and affect perceptions of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.
CDHR raises concerns over redeployment of INEC REC ahead of Osun poll
