Osun assembly rejects redeployment of REC, warns against manipulation of election

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

The Osun State House of Assembly has faulted the redeployment of Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that further changes in the electoral commission may be intended to influence the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo yesterday, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, said the legislators have information that more officials in the electoral commission may be redeployed ahead of the election.

Egbedun said the House is concerned that the plan could extend beyond Dr. Agboke to other key officials, including the Administrative Secretary, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, and ICT personnel across the state.

He questioned why such widespread deployments are being proposed in Osun, noting that Ekiti State, which comes before Osun in the electoral calendar, had not witnessed similar actions.

Egbedun further alleged that the developments are linked to the activities and influence of Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, adding that administrative changes and redeployments would not override the will of the people.

According to him, the Assembly has also received reports that attempts may be made in some parts of the state—particularly within the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District—to compromise the process through APC members placed in critical electoral roles such as returning officers and supervisors.

He warned that such actions are unacceptable and would not be tolerated, stating that anyone deployed to conduct elections in Osun must do so strictly in line with the Constitution and the electoral law.

The Speaker called on the international community, development partners, and election observers to take note of the alleged plans as events unfold.

Egbedun maintained that Osun people are politically aware and committed to democratic values, adding that they will resist anything that undermines the credibility of the electoral process.