Against the backdrop of the governorship polls in Osun State, some residents of the state, yesterday, staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo, tasking the newly redeployed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, on neutrality and credible polls.

They said that their demonstration was informed by growing speculation that Babalola was allegedly transferred to the state purposely to influence the outcome of the gubernatorial election.

The demonstrators, including market women, traders, youths, students and members of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens in Osun State, said that the protest was incumbent to address the new REC and sue for a free, fair and credible electoral process in the state.

They, however, expressed concern over recent postings and redeployments within the commission, which they described as a process to allegedly undermine the credibility and transparency of the crucial exercise.

Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens in Osun State, Akinkumi Abdulsalam, implored the REC to ensure the transparency of the polls.

Responding, Babalola, while addressing the protesters at the Commission’s office in Osogbo, yesterday, represented by INEC’s Head of Legal Department, Niyi Fayanju, and Head of Voters’ Education and Publicity, Rufus Ariyo, assured the protesters that their votes would count.

MEANWHILE, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is set to formally unveil a 52-member campaign team as part of preparations for his re-election bid ahead of the governorship election in the state.

According to a post on the state’s X account yesterday, the campaign structure, known as the Imole Campaign Council 2026, is expected to serve as the central coordinating body for the governor’s political strategy, mobilisation efforts, and electioneering activities across the state.

According to details from the government, the Council will be inaugurated today, April 22, 2026, marking the official commencement of high-level campaign activities for the upcoming election season.