The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that the voters’ revalidation exercise in Osun State remains suspended, as preparations continue for the next round of elections in the state.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun, Mutiu Agboke, made this known on Tuesday during a series of stakeholders’ meetings held across several local government areas.
Speaking to community leaders, political actors, and security officials in Ife North, Ife Central, Ife East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East, and Ilesa West, Agboke said the suspension was directed by INEC’s national headquarters and remains in force.
He stressed that the decision is binding and should be respected by all stakeholders, noting that any update on the exercise would come from the commission’s headquarters.
Agboke explained that the ongoing meetings were aimed at strengthening trust in the electoral process and ensuring a smooth and credible election.
According to him, the engagement was also an opportunity for INEC to hear directly from residents about challenges that could affect voting.
“The coming election involves everyone,” he said. “We must all work together to ensure it is peaceful, free, and fair.”
He added that while political parties will contest for power, the final outcome will depend on the will of the people.
“Candidates of political parties must accept that God decides who wins and loses,” he said, urging politicians and their supporters to avoid violence and malpractice.
The voter revalidation exercise is part of efforts by INEC to update and clean up the voter register. It usually allows voters to confirm or correct their details before elections.
However, the process has faced challenges in some states, including logistical issues and legal concerns, leading to its suspension in Osun.
Nigeria’s electoral system has, over the years, faced criticism over issues such as incomplete voter data, delayed accreditation, and technical problems. INEC has continued to introduce reforms, including the use of technology, to improve transparency and credibility.
During the meetings, stakeholders raised several concerns that could affect the election.
Among them were voter apathy, especially in rural areas, where turnout has been low in previous elections. Community representatives also pointed to logistical challenges, including difficulty in reaching remote communities.
There were also complaints about limited access to the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process, which some residents said has prevented eligible voters from registering or updating their information.
In addition, poor network coverage in some areas was highlighted as a potential obstacle, especially as INEC continues to rely on digital tools for voter accreditation and result transmission.
Some stakeholders suggested that towns such as Asipa and Akinlalu should be considered for delineation to improve access to registration centres and polling units.
Agboke used the opportunity to issue a strong warning to members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who are often deployed as ad hoc staff during elections.
He alleged that some corps members had been involved in electoral malpractice in the past, including tampering with ballot results.
“We still find corps members mutilating ballot results and conniving with politicians to sabotage the poll,” he said.
He warned that any corps member found guilty of such actions would face arrest and prosecution.
“Be careful. Pay attention during training and make sure you do the right thing,” he added.
The use of NYSC members in elections has been a long-standing practice in Nigeria, as they are seen as neutral and educated personnel. However, concerns have occasionally been raised about their vulnerability to pressure from politicians and local actors.
The REC also cautioned transport unions against any form of misconduct during the election.
He said transport operators engaged by INEC would be required to sign undertakings to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines.
“If issues arise from any transporter, INEC will interpret it as sabotage and such transporter will be prosecuted,” he warned.
He further stated that transport workers engaged as ad hoc staff would not be allowed to vote on election day, to prevent conflict of interest.
Transportation plays a key role in Nigeria’s elections, as materials and personnel must be moved across different locations, often under tight timelines. Any disruption in this process can affect the credibility of the poll.
Agboke called on security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure adequate protection of collation centres and other critical locations.
“I want security agencies to secure the collation centres with arms so as to forestall disruption and violence,” he said.
Election-related violence has been a concern in Nigeria, with past incidents of ballot box snatching, intimidation, and clashes between political supporters.
To address this, security agencies usually deploy large numbers of personnel during elections, including police, military, and civil defence officers.
Electoral officers and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) present at the meetings assured INEC of their readiness to ensure a peaceful process.
They pledged to identify and monitor potential flashpoints and to strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable areas.
Political party representatives also expressed their commitment to peaceful conduct but urged INEC to address the challenges raised by stakeholders.
As Osun State prepares for the upcoming election, attention is now focused on how INEC and other stakeholders will address the issues raised.
The suspension of the voter revalidation exercise remains a key concern, but the commission has made it clear that its priority is to ensure a credible and peaceful poll.
For many residents, the success of the election will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved, from electoral officials and security agencies to voters and political actors.
With memories of past electoral challenges still fresh, expectations are high that the process will reflect improvements in Nigeria’s democratic system.