Barely four months to the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, tension has heightened following the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Dr Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State.
Agboke announced his transfer in a message shared on the Osun INEC WhatsApp platform late Wednesday, expressing appreciation to stakeholders for their support during his tenure.
“I have been transferred to Ondo State. I thank you most sincerely for the support given to me throughout my stay in Osun State. May God Almighty support you all as well,” he stated.
The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the poll, widely regarded as a high-stakes contest.
However, the Osun State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over what it described as a “sudden redeployment,” warning that the move could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Thursday, the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that the redeployment formed part of a broader plan to influence the outcome of the election.
He further disclosed that there were indications of imminent transfers involving other key electoral personnel, including Administrative Secretaries, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and ICT officials across the state.
Egbedun questioned why similar actions had not been observed in Ekiti State, which is also preparing for a governorship election.
“This raises serious and legitimate questions. Why Osun State?” he queried.
The Speaker, however, insisted that no administrative reshuffle would override the will of the electorate.
“These calculated efforts, no matter how structured, cannot alter the resolve of our people. The people of Osun State are politically conscious, vigilant and determined to ensure that their votes count and reflect their true choice,” he said.
He also alleged plans to compromise the process in parts of the state, particularly in the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District, through the deployment of individuals with alleged partisan affiliations into sensitive electoral roles.
“This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Whoever is deployed must act strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. Anything short of a free, fair and credible election will be resisted,” he added.
Egbedun called on the international community, development partners and election observers to closely monitor developments in the state.
Meanwhile, the redeployment has sparked mixed reactions among residents and political observers, with opinions sharply divided over its implications.
While some described Agboke as a principled and incorruptible official, others dismissed the controversy, insisting that the exercise was a routine administrative procedure by INEC.
A resident of Ibadan, Adelanea Taiwo, described the outgoing REC as “a disciplined man of integrity who worked without compromise or intimidation,” adding that his leadership would be missed.
Similarly, Caleb Oyesikun said Agboke had proven to be an “incorruptible umpire,” while Abu Hassan noted that “history will be kind to him for the good job he has done.”
However, some respondents expressed suspicion over the timing of the transfer, alleging possible political motives.
A digital creator, Lamidi Bello, said the redeployment would not alter the outcome of the election, insisting that “no matter the tactics, the will of the people will prevail.”
Also, a student, Henry Akintayo, maintained that the electorate would resist any attempt to manipulate the process, stressing that Osun voters were determined to sustain the current political direction.
Similarly, an engineer, Diran, alleged that the move could be part of efforts to sustain “business as usual” in the electoral system.
On the contrary, Moses Awodele dismissed the concerns, describing the redeployment as a standard pre-election practice.
“It is a routine exercise. Electoral officers, including the REC, are often transferred when elections approach. Reading political meanings into it is unnecessary,” he said.
Despite the divergent views, stakeholders agree that the August 15 governorship election will be fiercely contested.
The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is seeking re-election, while Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress are among the major contenders in the race, alongside candidates from other political parties.
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