By Olajide Idowu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will not bend electoral rules in favour of any political party in the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatosin Babalola, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday in Osogbo.
Babalola, who was recently deployed to the state, stressed that strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and relevant guidelines would guide the commission’s actions before, during and after the poll.
She said INEC, as a regulatory body, was committed to ensuring that all political parties operate within the ambit of the law.
The REC warned that any party that violates the rules would face legal consequences.
“INEC does not bend the rules to satisfy any particular political party. The provisions of the law apply to all.
“If any political party fails to do the right thing, such a party will face the full weight of the law,” she said.
On vote-buying and selling, Babalola maintained that the commission does not engage in such practices, describing the act as a criminal offence.
She, however, said the commission would continue to intensify voter education to discourage the trend.
Speaking on the just-concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, Babalola said a total of 381,817 fresh registrations were recorded.
She added that 1,391 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) registered during the exercise, while 1,865 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had been collected.
According to her, 7,272 voters applied for updates or corrections to their data, while 42,255 requested replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
She further disclosed that 14,362 registrations were reviewed, 42,355 cases of lost or damaged PVCs were processed, and 50,747 PVCs were transferred by already registered voters.
Babalola, however, reiterated that the commission would remain a neutral umpire, adding that preparations were ongoing to deliver an election that reflects the will of the people.(NAN) www. nannews.ng
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