INEC Assures Osun Governorship Poll Logistics Unaffected by NURTW Internal Rifts

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has given its word that ongoing internal disputes within the state’s National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) chapter will not negatively impact the logistical arrangements for the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. This reassurance came from Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a town hall meeting in Osogbo on Sunday, hosted by the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity.

Various stakeholders attended the event, including representatives from civil society organizations, security forces, media outlets, individuals with disabilities, and traditional rulers. Babalola emphasized the crucial role of transportation in ensuring a successful election, highlighting that any breakdown in this aspect could compromise the entire electoral exercise.

She stated, “Transportation is a critical aspect of election logistics, because no matter how well planned an election is, when transportation fails, the election has failed. It is these transporters who use transport to move men and materials to the local government, to the registration areas, and to the polling units.”

The REC also revealed that INEC is engaging directly with the national leadership of the union, rather than any state-level factions. She further explained that the Commission has conducted multiple discussions with the national NURTW leadership, stressing the importance of efficiency, impartiality, professional conduct, and the supply of well-maintained vehicles.

Babalola reiterated, “Regarding the issues that are happening within the parks, I have not been informed of any faction. We have been working with a specific body. So there is a representative of the national body that we are speaking with. We are not speaking with any faction, and they are giving us assurances that we are not going to have any problem. Whatever problem they have internally is their problem, but as regards the engagement with INEC for the movement of men and materials, we are not envisaging any problem. Because we are dealing with the national body.”

Earlier during the meeting, Oba Moses Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, and Oba AbdulAzeez Olatunbosun, the Akire of Ikire-Ile, both addressed the audience. They implored voters to cast their ballots according to their conscience, resisting any form of financial enticement. The traditional rulers stressed that no political aspiration should result in the loss of lives, cautioning politicians and their followers against instigating violence within the state.

Responding to concerns that Ijesaland is identified as a potential hotspot for election-related disturbances, Oba Agunsoye revealed that “traditional rulers in the zone led by the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Owa Adesuyi Haastrup, had met with politicians and warned them against violence in the area.”

Similarly, Oba Olatunbosun emphasized that the upcoming gubernatorial contest should be seen as a competition of ideas and public service, rather than one of violence. He urged, “Let us place the peace, unity, and progress of our society above personal interests and ensure that the election is conducted peacefully.”

Other participants at the town hall meeting underscored the necessity for security personnel and electoral officers to maintain strict neutrality, appealing to them to reject any efforts to compromise the electoral process.

According to The PUNCH, Osun State voters are expected to head to the polls on August 15 to elect their next governor. A total of 14 political parties, including the state’s ruling Accord party and the national ruling All Progressives Congress, have put forward candidates for the election.