Civil society groups have petitioned Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Joash Ojo Amupitan over alleged irregular staff redeployments ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun State governorship election, raising concerns about transparency as preparations intensify.
The petition followed a peaceful demonstration in Osogbo on Thursday by the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens. The group alleged that recent personnel changes placed individuals perceived to have political leanings in key positions across local government offices and the commission’s state headquarters, potentially undermining confidence in the electoral process.
In the petition signed by Chairman Musa Akinkunmi and spokesperson Oluomo Success, the coalition said similar large-scale redeployments were not observed in other states preparing for elections, including Ekiti, or during the last governorship poll in Anambra.
The commission, however, announced an adjustment to the campaign timeline after shifting the election date from Aug. 8 to Aug. 15. National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna said campaigns will now end at midnight on Aug. 13, in line with the Electoral Act requiring campaigns to stop 24 hours before voting.
The redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioner Mutiu Agboke to Ondo State has also drawn reactions. While the Accord Party questioned the timing, the All Progressives Congress dismissed claims of political interference, urging that INEC’s internal decisions not be politicized.
Meanwhile, APC campaign Director-General Oluwole Oke said Gov. Ademola Adeleke may not appear on the ballot due to a legal dispute within the Accord Party, expressing confidence that APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji would win a majority of local governments.
Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, blamed delays in state projects on challenges related to local government funding but said progress remained on track.
Separately, Action Democratic Party Chairman Yabaji Sani said Nigeria’s constitution, not INEC, is responsible for electoral challenges, calling for reforms to the appointment process of electoral officials.
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre Executive Director Clement Nwankwo warned that early political maneuvering ahead of 2027 risks derailing constitutional amendments, while Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said the National Assembly remains committed to reform efforts.
Constitutional lawyer Monday Ubani said the absence of INEC officials at party primaries does not invalidate the process, provided parties comply with notification requirements under the Electoral Act.
