Osun 2026: INEC urges parties to conduct lawful, transparent primaries

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, has urged political parties in the state to conduct their primaries in accordance with the law.

Agboke, in a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo, the state capital, by INEC Public Relations Officer, Olurode Musa, said the lawful conduct of party primaries was critical ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that INEC has fixed August 8, 2026, for the governorship election.

The REC appealed to all registered political parties in the state to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the commission’s guidelines and regulations for the conduct of their primaries.

The commission emphasises the need for the conduct of free, fair and peaceful primary elections that reflect the will of the party members as a panacea for the reduction of pre-election litigations.

“We observed that primary elections have often been a source of pre-election litigation, which can be avoided if parties follow the laid-down procedures and guidelines.

“INEC, therefore, urges all political parties to ensure that their primaries are conducted in a transparent, democratic and peaceful manner.

All aspirants should be given equal opportunities to participate,” he said.

Agboke said that in line with the guidelines released by the INEC national headquarters, political party primaries for the 2026 governorship election in Osun are scheduled to hold between November 24 and December 15.

He added that the commission was prepared to provide the necessary support and guidance to parties to ensure that their primaries were conducted in accordance with the law.

“We call on all stakeholders, including security agencies, to support the Commission in its efforts to ensure peaceful and credible party primaries.

“INEC will continue to monitor the activities of political parties and take appropriate actions within the ambit of the law against any party that fails to comply with electoral laws and regulations,” he said.

(NAN)