Civil society organisations in Osun State have formally petitioned the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan, over alleged irregular staff redeployments ahead of the governorship election.
The petition was submitted after a peaceful demonstration held in Osogbo on Thursday, where members of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens gathered to express their concerns about recent personnel changes within the commission.
According to the group, the redeployment exercise has raised serious questions about transparency and fairness, especially as preparations continue for the August 15, 2026 governorship election in the state.
In their petition, the coalition alleged that some individuals with perceived political affiliations were assigned to key positions across local government offices and the state headquarters of the electoral body.
The petition, signed by the coalition’s chairman, Musa Akinkunmi, and spokesperson, Oluomo Success, stated that the pattern of postings could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
“We strongly object to the ongoing redeployments, which appear selective and lacking in transparency,” the group stated.
They also claimed that there were reports suggesting that individuals believed to have links with a major opposition party were deliberately placed in sensitive electoral roles.
“This trend raises serious concerns about neutrality, especially when those deployed are said to have known political sympathies,” the petition added.
The coalition further noted that similar large-scale staff redeployments were not seen in other states preparing for elections, including Ekiti State, nor during the last governorship election in Anambra State.
“It is difficult to understand why Osun should experience such extensive reshuffling when comparable situations elsewhere did not warrant the same approach,” the group said.
Beyond the protest, the petitioners called for an immediate stop to the redeployment exercise and urged INEC to carry out an independent review of the postings.
They also requested a transparent audit of voter transfer activities in the state, warning that any irregularities could affect public trust in the electoral system.
Meanwhile, the recent redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State has continued to generate reactions.
While the Accord Party questioned the timing and alleged political interference, the All Progressives Congress (APC) rejected the claims, insisting that INEC’s internal decisions should not be politicised.
