Osun Assembly opposes INEC REC redeployment, alleges plot to influence 2026 poll
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Osun State House of Assembly has kicked against the recent redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, warning against any move capable of undermining the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Agboke, on an online platform, had announced to journalists that he had been transferred to Ondo State, appreciating the state media for their support throughout his stay in the state.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Thursday, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun, said the House was concerned by the sudden redeployment of the REC and reports of planned transfers involving other key electoral officials in the state.
According to the Speaker, the planned redeployments may affect the Administrative Secretary, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and ICT personnel across Osun State.
Egbedun alleged that the development suggested a deliberate pattern of actions aimed at influencing the electoral process ahead of the governorship poll.
He said, “It is instructive to note that Ekiti State, which precedes Osun in the electoral calendar, has not witnessed such widespread deployments of electoral officials. This raises serious and legitimate questions. Why Osun State?”
The lawmaker alleged that they had credible information linking the developments to the influence of former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
The Assembly also alleged that there were plans to compromise the electoral process in parts of the state, particularly within the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District, through the use of APC members in sensitive electoral roles such as returning officers and supervisors.
