Against the backdrop of next year’s governorship poll in Osun, the
Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday declared it would not hesitate to prosecute any electoral officer involved in acts capable of affecting the credibility of the exercise.

This was disclosed in Osogbo by the Resident Electoral Officer (REC) of INEC in Osun, Dr Mutiu Agboke, during a meeting with Electoral Officers (EOs), Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) and the staff of the commission.

Agboke explained that the meeting was aimed at engaging staff on preparedness for the upcoming Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and the 2026 governorship poll.

He said: “We shall not hesitate to prosecute whoever flouts the guidelines for the exercise as drawn by the commission. You must face your work and not allow the evil ones to whisper criminality into your hearing in any manner.

While assuring that the commission would reward electoral officers for seriousness and commitment to work, he advised them to prioritise their health to ensure their fitness for the exercise.

The Commission also announced the commencement of an online accreditation for journalists and media organisations intending to cover the upcoming elections scheduled for August 16, 2025.

According to the commission, the accreditation portal was opened yesterday and will remain accessible until midnight on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

It advised interested media organisations to submit their applications through the official INEC portal at https://imap.inecnigeria.org.