The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has criticised the Osun State House of Assembly over allegations linking a former governor to recent staff movements within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Thursday by Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, the party described the claims made by lawmakers led by Speaker Adewale Egbedun as unfounded. The allegations were made during a press briefing held earlier in Osogbo.
The Assembly had accused Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, of being behind what it described as internal operational changes within INEC in the state.
Responding to the claim, the APC said such staff redeployments are strictly the responsibility of INEC and are guided by electoral laws.
“Routine administrative actions of INEC should not be misconstrued or politicised. Such transfers have occurred previously without controversy,” the party stated.
The APC also said it had no involvement in INEC’s internal affairs and was not aware of the specific staff movement being referred to by the lawmakers.
“We are not even aware that such action has taken place, and we are not concerned with the internal operations of the commission,” the party added.
It further dismissed the allegation against Oyetola, saying there is no evidence to support it and stressing that anyone making a claim must provide proof.
The party also accused the lawmakers of trying to distract from governance issues, suggesting the controversy is politically motivated ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
It said political activities are already intensifying in the state as stakeholders prepare for the election, and reaffirmed support for its governorship candidate.
“Oyetola and other party members remain committed to working within the law to ensure success at the polls,” the statement said.
The APC urged the public to ignore the allegations, describing them as baseless and unsupported by evidence, and insisted that INEC should be allowed to operate independently without political interference.
Meanwhile, the Osun State House of Assembly had raised concerns over recent administrative changes within INEC, warning that they could affect the integrity of upcoming elections.
Speaker Adewale Egbedun said the redeployment of Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, appeared sudden and without clear justification.
The Assembly also claimed it had received reports of possible further redeployments of key electoral staff, including administrative and technical officers.
It was also reported that INEC recently redeployed its Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, amid petitions over alleged partisanship and calls for his removal ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
