The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political parties in Osun State to ensure peaceful, transparent, and lawful primaries ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting on party primaries held at the Commission’s state office in Osogbo on Tuesday.

Dr. Agboke stated that the meeting was part of INEC’s continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure that all activities in the election timetable are clearly understood and strictly followed.

“We must always continue to engage you on each item on the timetable of the 2026 governorship election so as to be on the same page with us,” he said.

According to the timetable, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025, in line with Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Dr. Agboke revealed that while 19 political parties are registered nationally, only 18 currently exist in Osun State. He urged all parties to organise themselves to ensure free and fair primaries that uphold the sanctity of internal democracy.

He emphasised that political leaders must strictly adhere to INEC regulations and avoid actions capable of causing pre-election disputes.

“Free and fair polls begin with the way parties conduct themselves during primaries. Peaceful primaries promote democratic values and foster unity within parties,” he said.

The REC also warned that campaign activities have not yet commenced, noting that no political party is expected to engage in any form of campaign at this time.

Citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, he reminded political parties that campaigns should begin 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before the election.

Dr. Agboke encouraged political parties to consult INEC’s website for detailed guidelines on rallies, processions, and campaigns. He expressed concern that some party members do not even recognise their party logos and urged intensified voter education while discouraging violence and vote-buying.

“Election is a multi-stakeholder task. INEC alone cannot deliver a successful poll. Political parties must cooperate with us and engage their members in voter education. The menace of vote buying has reduced the potency of our democratic values,” he cautioned.

He disclosed that as of October 24, 2025, a total of 151,593 registrants had completed their continuous voter registration in Osun State. Dr. Agboke commended residents for their cooperation and encouraged others to register to participate in the forthcoming election.

He also appreciated INEC staff in the state for their professionalism and dedication during the ongoing registration exercise, urging them to remain committed despite unfounded stories that may arise.

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, who was also present, urged all stakeholders to work toward a credible and peaceful election. He assured that security agencies would ensure the safety of voters and INEC staff during the poll and provided hotlines — 08039537995 and 08123823987 — for reporting cases of electoral violence.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Osun State, Pastor Victor Akande, called for peace and adherence to the rule of law, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without these principles.

He also alleged that some political parties had already commenced premature campaign activities contrary to electoral guidelines and urged them to desist and conduct rancour-free primaries.