The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, has reaffirmed that the voter revalidation exercise in the state remains suspended.

He made this known on Tuesday during ongoing stakeholder engagement meetings held across several local government areas, explaining that the suspension directive came from INEC’s national headquarters and remains in force.

Addressing participants in Ife North, Ife Central, Ife East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East, and Ilesa West, Agboke stressed that national development depends on the collective responsibility of all citizens.

According to him, the meetings are aimed at promoting dialogue, building trust, and gathering firsthand information on potential challenges that could affect the smooth conduct of the upcoming election.

Stakeholders at the meetings identified key concerns such as voter apathy, logistical difficulties, and the need for improved security arrangements.

Agboke noted that the electoral process involves everyone, urging political candidates to accept the outcome of the polls in good faith.

He also called on transport unions, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and security agencies to carry out their responsibilities diligently during the election.

The REC warned corps members against engaging in electoral malpractice, alleging that some had been involved in misconduct in the past. He stressed that anyone found culpable would face arrest and prosecution.

He further cautioned transport unions against any form of collusion that could undermine the electoral process, stating that transporters would be required to sign undertakings ahead of the polls. Any breach, he said, would be treated as sabotage.

Agboke also urged security agencies, particularly the police, to ensure adequate protection of collation centres to prevent disruptions and violence.

He reiterated that the final outcome of the election would ultimately be determined by the votes cast by the people of Osun State.

Meanwhile, representatives of political parties raised concerns about challenges such as difficulty reaching voters in remote areas, limited access to the Continuous Voter Registration process, insecurity in rural communities, and poor network connectivity.

Some stakeholders also urged INEC to consider towns like Asipa and Akinlalu for delineation to improve voter registration coverage.

In response, electoral officers and Divisional Police Officers across the affected local governments assured INEC of their readiness to ensure a peaceful electoral process, pledging to address identified flashpoints and strengthen security measures ahead of the election.