INEC Addresses Transportation Concerns Ahead of Osun State Gubernatorial Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Osun State has reassured stakeholders that internal conflicts within the local branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) will not disrupt the logistics of the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun, made this assertion during a town hall meeting hosted by the Civil Society Network on Electoral Integrity in Osogbo on Sunday. The event attracted a diverse audience, including representatives from civil society organizations, security agencies, the media, individuals with disabilities, and various traditional leaders.
Babalola emphasized the vital role transportation plays in ensuring a successful election, noting that any failure to facilitate movement could severely compromise the electoral process. He stated that efficient transportation is critical to the delivery of personnel and supplies to local governments, registration areas, and polling stations.
“Transportation is an essential component of election logistics; even the most meticulously planned election can falter without effective transport,” Babalola explained. He highlighted that INEC is directly linked to the national union and not its state-level factions, which allows them to maintain a focused approach to logistics.
Further clarifying the commission’s stance, Babalola mentioned that INEC has engaged in meaningful discussions with the national leadership of NURTW regarding the critical need for neutrality, professionalism, and ensuring that vehicles are in optimal condition for transporting election personnel and materials.
He added, “We have not received any reports from any faction concerning issues within the park. We are collaborating with recognized groups, engaging with state institutions that have assured us of a smooth process.” Babalola expressed confidence that any internal issues within the NURTW would not impact INEC’s operations.
In a separate address, community leaders, including Oba Moses Agunsoe of Ijebu Jesa and Oba Abdulaziz Olatunbosun of Ikire Ile, called on voters to base their decisions on personal conviction rather than economic incentives. They stressed the importance of a peaceful electoral process, warning against any potential violence. Prominent traditional leaders, such as Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, also joined in cautioning politicians to refrain from instigating conflict, especially since Ijesaland is anticipated to be a decisive battleground in the election.
As the election approaches, other speakers at the town hall urged security forces and election officials to maintain neutrality and resist external pressures that could undermine the electoral integrity. According to reports, voters in Osun State are set to participate in the gubernatorial election on August 15, with 14 political parties, including both the ruling Accord party and the national ruling All Progressives Congress, fielding candidates in a competitive race.
