Fresh concerns have emerged over alleged partisan postings of staff within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, as a civil society group warned that the development could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election.
The concerns were raised in a petition addressed to the INEC Chairman, Professor Josh Amupitan, by the Coalition for Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC), which alleged that recent redeployments of personnel in the state appear selective and politically motivated.
The group claimed that individuals with perceived affiliations to the All Progressives Congress (APC) were being assigned to sensitive electoral positions across key local government areas, a move it said contradicts INEC’s constitutional role as a neutral electoral umpire.
The petition also highlighted what it described as inconsistencies in the commission’s administrative practices, noting that similar large-scale reshuffling had not been observed in other states with recent or upcoming elections, thereby raising suspicion of targeted manipulation in Osun.
Tensions escalated on Tuesday morning as protesters gathered at the INEC state headquarters in Osogbo, demanding an audience with the newly deployed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
The demonstrators, however, were unable to meet the official, who was reportedly not present at the office at the time.
In addition to concerns over staff postings, the group alleged irregularities in voter transfers, warning that unauthorized relocation of voters could distort the outcome of the election if not urgently addressed.
The coalition called for the immediate suspension and review of recent staff postings, as well as an independent audit of voter transfer activities in the state.
It also urged INEC leadership to publicly reaffirm its commitment to neutrality and credible elections.
The group threatened that protest will continue in Osun State on Friday unless the newly posted REC addresses them.
