The Independent National Electoral Commission has reassured residents of Osun State of its readiness to conduct a peaceful, free and credible governorship election scheduled for August 15.
The assurance was given on Tuesday by the newly deployed Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, while addressing protesters at the commission’s office in Osogbo.
The demonstrators, comprising market women and civil society groups, had converged on the office to express concerns over the recent redeployment of the former REC, Mutiu Agboke, which they feared could affect the credibility of the forthcoming election.
Represented by the Head of Legal Department, Niyi Fayanju, and the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Rufus Ariyo, Babalola assured the protesters that adequate preparations were in place to guarantee a transparent and acceptable electoral process.
She acknowledged the concerns raised by residents, describing them as legitimate, and pledged that the commission would ensure that every valid vote counts.
Babalola also clarified that redeployment of staff was a routine administrative process within the commission, stressing that the transfer of the former REC followed established procedures.
Some of the protesters, however, maintained that the development raised suspicions of possible political interference and urged the new REC to remain impartial.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Sadiat Amsat, Temitope Abass and Mary Adewale called on the commission to uphold neutrality and ensure a credible poll.
Similarly, the Osun State Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, Musa Abdulsalam, presented a petition to INEC officials on behalf of the protesters, demanding transparency in the conduct of the election.
