The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning to political parties in Osun State, urging them to conduct their forthcoming governorship primary elections strictly in line with the law or risk sanctions.
In a statement released on Monday in Osogbo by the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Olurode Musa, the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, emphasised that lawful, transparent and peaceful primaries remain central to the credibility of the 2026 gubernatorial poll.
INEC has fixed August 8, 2026, for the Osun governorship election, setting off intense political preparations across parties.
Agboke cautioned that non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines continues to be a major trigger for pre-election litigations. He noted that many intra-party disputes that end up in court are avoidable, provided political actors adhere strictly to laid-down rules.
“The Commission emphasises the need for free, fair and peaceful primary elections that reflect the will of party members as a panacea for reducing pre-election litigations,” Agboke said.
He stressed that all aspirants must be given equal opportunities, warning that exclusionary tactics, violence, improper delegates’ lists or manipulated processes would be closely monitored.
According to the timelines released by INEC headquarters in Abuja, Osun political parties are expected to conduct their governorship primaries between November 24 and December 15, 2025.
Agboke assured that the Commission is prepared to support parties through guidance and oversight, but will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any party found violating electoral laws.
“INEC will continue to monitor party activities and take appropriate actions within the ambit of the law against any party that fails to comply,” he reaffirmed.
The REC appealed to security agencies, party officials, aspirants and other stakeholders to collaborate with INEC to ensure a smooth and credible nomination process. He described peaceful primaries as the first, and often most critical, step in guaranteeing a credible general election.
Osun’s political landscape has begun to heat up as major parties prepare for internal contests expected to determine the key contenders for the 2026 governorship race. With parties battling internal factions and shifting alliances, INEC’s warning comes at a crucial moment, aiming to help prevent the intense disputes that characterised previous election cycles.
The Commission’s latest call is also viewed as part of a broader effort to strengthen internal party democracy nationwide as the 2026 election calendar gradually unfolds.
