Ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advised political parties in the State to conduct their primaries in accordance with extant relevant law.
A statement issued in Osogbo by INEC Public Relations Officer, Olurode Musa, attributed the counsel to Dr Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State.
The statement informed that the conduct of party primaries in line with the law was important ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.
INEC had earlier announced that governorship election in Osun will hold on August 8, 2026 for the governorship election in the state.
The REC 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 litigations 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.
Agboke said that in line with the guidelines released by INEC National Headquarters, political parties’ primaries for the 2026 governorship election in the state are scheduled to hold between November 24 and December 15.
He said the Commission 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.
