● Dr. Agboke: Election Offenders Will Face Full Weight of the Law

● Six Nabbed in Last Election Already Prosecuted, Says INEC

On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) invited the Hon. REC. Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke to the 9th session of their Media Parley.

The media parley which held at the OOPA Secretariat in Ajegunle Area, Osogbo, featured the topic "INEC's Preparation Towards the Osun #2026governorshipelection."  It provided a forum for spirited discussion about the commission's preparedness for the upcoming elections, particularly as voter registration and Permanent Voter Card (PVC)-related processes continue across the state.

The Hon.REC.addressed critical electoral issues, assuring stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. He highlighted the commission’s ongoing reforms and practical steps to strengthen electoral integrity ahead of the 2026 governorship race.

Key matters discussed included:

Election Offenders and Prosecution: Dr. Agboke emphasized that INEC, in collaboration with security agencies, is determined to ensure that election offenders face the full weight of the law. as six Offenders from the last Election has been prosecuted.

Conflicting Presentation of Candidates/Factionalisation: He noted that INEC would strictly abide by the legal provisions when parties present conflicting candidates, adding that factionalisation within political parties would not derail the commission’s constitutional mandate.

Vote Buying: The REC described vote buying as a threat to democracy, assuring that the commission is adopting stronger monitoring mechanisms and collaborating with anti-graft agencies to curb the menace.

Leadership in Online Voter Registration: He revealed the “secret” behind Osun’s lead in online voter registration, attributing it to early sensitisation, as well as grassroots mobilisation.

Double Registration: Dr. Agboke reiterated that the commission’s technology-driven system will continue to detect and prevent double or multiple registrations.

Youth and Women Participation: Stressing inclusivity, he encouraged youths to leverage their numbers to shape the electoral process, while reaffirming INEC’s alignment with the 35% Affirmative Action policy for women’s participation.

Other issues discussed includes Logistics to Remote Polling Units, Real-Time Result Uploads, adequate support and preference for the community of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDS), as well as cleaning of Voters Register.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of OOPA commended INEC for its openness to media partnership, stressing that the parley was designed to bridge the gap between the commission, media practitioners, and the public. He said the association would continue to play its watchdog role by ensuring accurate, unbiased, and timely reportage of the electoral process.

The interactive session featured questions and observations from publishers and journalists, which the Hon. REC. responded to, assuring of INEC’s willingness to continually engage stakeholders until the 2026 election is successfully conducted.