The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political parties in Osun State to conduct peaceful, transparent, and rancour-free primaries ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, Osogbo.

Dr. Agboke expressed delight in welcoming representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media to the engagement, noting that the meeting was convened to ensure all stakeholders remain aligned with the electoral timetable for the 2026 Osun governorship poll.

“The time is running, and all activities in the timetable are due for execution one way or the other,” he stated.

“It is our passionate appeal that we should all make it a duty to monitor and track all the activities on the timetable for the 2026 Governorship Election in Osun State.”

According to him, party primaries are expected to hold between October 24 and December 15, 2025, in line with Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates political parties to democratically nominate their candidates.

While noting that 18 political parties are currently active in Osun State, Agboke charged them to ensure internal democracy, emphasizing that peaceful primaries are the bedrock of credible elections.

“Free and fair polls begin with the ways and manners political parties conduct themselves during the primaries,” he said.

“A primary with less friction reduces pre-election matters and promotes democratic values.”

He stressed that peaceful primaries foster unity, enhance legitimacy of candidates, and reduce polarization within parties, thereby strengthening the state’s democratic process.

Dr. Agboke further warned political parties against premature campaigns, reminding them that Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 stipulates that campaigns must commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before the election.

He advised all political actors to familiarize themselves with INEC’s guidelines on rallies and campaigns available on www.inecnigeria.org, and to avoid violating electoral laws.

The REC also reiterated that election management is a multi-stakeholder responsibility, urging political parties to complement INEC’s efforts in voter education and campaigns against violence and vote-buying.

“Do not leave voter education to INEC alone,” he appealed. “Educate your members and the electorate. Violence and vote buying have reduced the potency of our democratic value.”

Providing an update on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Agboke disclosed that as of Friday, October 24, 2025, a total of 151,593 registrants had completed their registration across Osun State.

He commended residents for their cooperation and urged eligible citizens who have not registered to do so promptly.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Agboke expressed confidence that collective commitment and adherence to the rules would ensure a credible, peaceful, and transparent governorship election in Osun State.

“In togetherness, we shall deliver a credible election in Osun State without any rancor,” he concluded.