As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), intensifies its grassroots engagement strategy across Osun State, election stakeholders have been charged to take greater responsibility for ensuring credible elections.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, gave this charge during a series of stakeholders’ meetings held in Osogbo, Ede North and Ede South local government council areas on Wednesday.
Addressing participants drawn from political parties, transport unions, security agencies and civil society organisations, Dr Agboke stressed that the credibility of the electoral process depended largely on collective adherence to electoral guidelines.
He noted that no candidate would be declared winner without securing the mandate of voters.
“Nobody will win any election in Osun State without the votes of the people,” he said.
He described the election as special and called for a united approach among stakeholders to ensure a peaceful outcome.
According to him, “such decentralised consultations were necessary for effective planning and coordination.
“Election activities must be jointly handled by all stakeholders to guarantee success.”
Agboke also warned electoral officers, including presiding officers and collation officers, against tampering with results.
“Election matters are serious and should only involve individuals committed to democratic development.
“We will trace any altered result to the responsible official, and such a person will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.
