From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the support of the media in the campaign against vote buying to ensure the success of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, who gave the assurance at the state office of the commission during the stakeholders’ engagement in Osogbo, Wednesday, August 13, 2025, promised that the commission will try its best to ensure that votes are counted.
He also disclosed that the Osun election will be conducted in line with the Electoral Act 2022, promising to communicate with stakeholders if changes at the National Assembly affect the election.
Agboke urged the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to ensure that their parties avoid hate speech during campaign activities, assuring that INEC will play its role diligently.
He expressed concern over the refusal of residents to collect their PVCs, noting that Osun has the highest number of uncollected PVCs.
He said, “Presently, the number of registered voters is 1,954,800; the number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected is 1,594,006; the number of uncollected PVCs is 360,794; the number of Registration Areas/Electoral Wards is 332; the number of Polling Units is 3,763. A critical examination of the above statistics has shown the large number of uncollected PVCs in Osun State. Concerted efforts are being made with stakeholders to continue to create awareness for the electorate, not just to register, but to ensure the collection of the cards.
“I appeal to you all to rise up to continue to support INEC Osun State so as to deliver a credible election. INEC alone cannot deliver a peaceful and successful election. In togetherness, we shall all achieve the desired outcome of our election. Let me assure you all here today that INEC shall ensure a credible process in the upcoming 2026 governorship election. Your vote will count. We shall do the right thing at all times. We shall ensure we do our best to ensure your vote counts.
“For the purpose of emphasis, let me state the unwavering commitment of INEC in Osun State to transparency, fairness, and professionalism.
“Electorate should be educated to eschew vote buying and selling by anyone who may want to trade with their votes. It should be noted that both violence and vote buying and selling are punishable under the Electoral Act. We must all shun them. Media should help against this cankerworm. Civil society must not keep silent in any manner,” Agboke said.
