Against the backdrop of next year’s governorship election in Osun, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday declared that it would not hesitate to prosecute any electoral officer involved in acts capable of undermining the credibility of the exercise.

This was disclosed in Osogbo by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Osun, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, during a meeting with Electoral Officers (EOs), Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs), and staff of the commission.

Agboke explained that the meeting was aimed at engaging staff on preparedness for the upcoming Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and the 2026 governorship poll.

He stated, “We shall not hesitate to prosecute whoever flouts the guidelines for the exercise as drawn by the commission. You must face your work and do not allow the evil ones to whisper criminality into your hearing in any manner.

“This is not the time for you to use your selfish interest to disorganise the well-structured arrangements made by the commission. This is not the time to use this exercise for favouritism and nepotism. Do not be careless in your statutory responsibilities as may be placed on you by your local government electoral officers,” Agboke posited.

While assuring that the commission would reward electoral officers for their seriousness and commitment to work, he advised them to prioritise their health to ensure their fitness for the exercise.

“Do not be deterred in any manner. The commission shall reward you for your good work. After the success of the entire process, the commission shall not only celebrate you but also be proud of you all as dedicated staff of the commission. I am proud of you all. Let all work together for success.

“No laziness this time. No redundancy this time. No lateness this time. No truancy this time. Watch out for your health this time. This is most needed now. Eat well this time. With all these, you would be physically fit for the 2025 continuous voter registration,” Agboke remarked. (The Guardian)