INEC warns staff against sabotage ahead of voter registration in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, has warned staff of the commission against misconduct ahead of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Speaking at a strategic meeting with Electoral Officers (EOs), Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs), and other staff at the state office in Osogbo on Tuesday, Agboke emphasized the critical role of INEC personnel in ensuring a credible and hitch-free voter registration process. He said the success of the exercise would depend largely on the professionalism and commitment of staff at the local government level.

The REC expressed concerns over potential misconduct, warning that any attempt to commercialize the process or aid politically motivated manipulations would not be tolerated. He stressed that such acts would be met with prosecution.

“I know that no matter the warnings and the volume of exhortations given, there are some unscrupulous and indisciplined ones among you who would be directed by the devil to scuttle this exercise. I appeal to such individuals or group of them to have a rethink. We shall not hesitate to prosecute whoever flouts the guidelines for the exercise as drawn by the commission,” he said.

“You must face your work and do not allow the evil ones whisper criminality into your hearing in any manner. This is not the time to use selfish interests to disorganize the well-structured arrangements made by the commission,” he added.

Agboke disclosed that online voter registration will begin on August 18, 2025, while physical registration across the 30 local government areas of the state will commence on August 25. Each INEC office, including the state headquarters, will host two registration centres to cater to the needs of eligible citizens.

He outlined services to be provided during the exercise, including fresh registration for citizens aged 18 and above, correction or update of personal details on Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), transfer to a new voting unit, and replacement of lost or damaged cards.

Commending the staff for their efforts, Agboke assured them of a reward upon successful completion of the exercise, urging everyone to work together for its success. “The time to work is now,” he concluded.