Mutiu Agboke, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s resident electoral commissioner in Osun, has urged political parties in the state to conduct their primaries in accordance with the law.

Mr Agboke, in a statement on Monday, said that conducting party primaries in line with the law was important ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

INEC has fixed August 8, 2026, for the governorship election in Osun.

Mr Adegoke appealed to all registered political parties in the state to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the commission’s guidelines and regulations for the conduct of their primaries.

“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.

“We observed that primary elections have often been a source of pre-election litigation, 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,” he said.

Mr Agboke stated that, in line with the guidelines released by INEC’s national headquarters, the political parties’ primaries for the 2026 governorship election in the state are scheduled to take place between November 24 and December 15.

He said INEC was prepared to provide necessary support and guidance to parties to ensure that their primaries are conducted in accordance 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.

“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,” he said.

(NAN)