INEC pledges improved logistics and transparency ahead of 2026 Osun governorship election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged improved logistics, coordination, and transparency ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The assurance was given by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, during a town hall meeting with the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at the union’s state secretariat in Osogbo on Monday. The meeting marked part of INEC’s early preparations for the upcoming polls and brought together key stakeholders from across the state.
Dr. Agboke appealed to the NURTW to make its vehicles available for routine inspection and to ensure drivers adhere strictly to all INEC protocols—especially regarding the movement of personnel and election materials during the two-day election period.
“There are 19 political parties participating in this election. Every one of them is a stakeholder, and we expect the NURTW to operate fairly across board,” he said. “The neutrality and support of your union are vital to the credibility of this election.”
The REC highlighted that such early engagements were not possible during the 2023 state election due to leadership uncertainties within the union and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration this time around.
On the issue of drivers who may be unable to vote due to their election duties, Dr. Agboke disclosed that INEC has proposed a bill to the National Assembly to allow electoral workers to vote from their assigned locations. However, he clarified that the bill is yet to be passed into law, meaning the voting restriction still applies for the 2026 election.
Responding to concerns about past misconduct by INEC staff, the REC announced plans to introduce a toll-free number through which drivers and union members can report any cases of mistreatment or unprofessional behaviour. He assured that any fraudulent activities would be swiftly addressed and that compensation for NURTW members would be prompt and transparent.
In a bid to prevent diversion or misuse of election materials, Dr. Agboke also revealed that vehicle tracking technology would be deployed during the election.
He urged the union to support public awareness efforts, especially around the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which is scheduled to begin online on August 18, 2025, and physically across the state on August 25, 2025.
In his response, NURTW Secretary Sunday Niyi Oludare—representing the State Chairman, Wakeem Nurudeen Alowonle—welcomed the collaboration but requested formal communication from INEC regarding the number of vehicles required and allowances to be paid.
He also urged INEC to ensure better treatment of drivers and called for training of INEC personnel in courtesy and cooperation.
“We are committed to working with INEC to ensure peaceful and successful elections across Osun State,” Oludare affirmed.
