The Osun State House of Assembly has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a sudden and suspicious redeployment of electoral officials in the state, warning that the credibility of future elections is under threat.
In a strongly worded address, Speaker Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun told journalists that the Assembly has “credible information” linking the developments to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
The lawmakers are particularly worried about the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State. According to the Assembly, further changes involving the Administrative Secretary, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, and even ICT personnel may be on the way.
But the question on everyone’s lips, according to the Speaker, is simple: Why Osun?
“We are particularly concerned by a deliberate pattern of actions aimed at influencing the electoral process in Osun State,” Egbedun said.
He pointed out that Ekiti State, which holds elections before Osun in the electoral calendar, has not witnessed similar widespread deployments. This, he argued, raises “serious and legitimate” questions.
The Speaker did not mince words. “We state clearly that we have credible information linking these developments to the actions and influence of Mr Gboyega Oyetola.”
‘No amount of changes will override the people’s will’
Despite the alarm, the Assembly struck a defiant tone. Lawmakers insisted that no administrative shuffling would succeed in subverting the wishes of Osun voters.
“These calculated efforts, no matter how structured, cannot alter the resolve of our people,” Egbedun declared. “The people of Osun State are politically conscious, vigilant, and determined to ensure that their votes count.”
The Assembly also claimed that within the Ife Ijesa Senatorial District, there are plans to compromise the process by placing APC members in critical electoral roles such as returning officers and supervisors.
“That is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the Speaker warned.
The lawmakers appealed to the international community, development partners, and election observers to pay close attention to developments in the state.
“Whoever is deployed to conduct elections in Osun State must do so in strict accordance with the Constitution and the electoral law,” Egbedun said. “Anything short of this will be firmly resisted.”
He concluded: “Osun State is politically aware, vigilant, and deeply committed to democratic values. The people of this state will not accept any action, from any quarter, that undermines the credibility of the electoral process.”
