The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked political parties in Osun to ensure that their primary elections comply strictly with the law ahead of the 2026 governorship poll.
In a statement on Monday, Mutiu Agboke, resident electoral commissioner (REC), said adherence to legal provisions and INEC guidelines is essential as parties begin preparations for the election.
The electoral umpire has scheduled the governorship election in the state for 8 August, 2026.
Agboke, through Olurode Musa, spokesperson of the commission in Osun, urged all registered parties to abide by the Electoral Act 2022 as well as INEC’s regulations for primary elections.
‘The commission emphasises the need for the conduct of free, fair and peaceful primary elections that reflect the will of the party members as a panacea for the reduction of pre-election litigations’, he said.
‘We observed that primary elections have often been a source of pre-election litigations which can be avoided if parties follow the laid-down procedures and guidelines.
‘INEC, therefore, urges all political parties to ensure that their primaries are conducted in a transparent, democratic, and peaceful manner.
‘All aspirants should be given equal opportunities to participate’.
Agboke said party primaries for the 2026 election have been fixed for November 24- 15 December in accordance with the timetable approved by the commission’s headquarters.
He said INEC is ready to offer guidance and support to ensure parties conduct their primaries in line with the law.
‘We call on all stakeholders, including security agencies, to support the Commission in its efforts to ensure peaceful and credible party primaries’, he said.
‘INEC will continue to monitor the activities of political parties and take appropriate actions within the ambit of the law against any party that fails to comply with the electoral laws and regulations’.
