The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Mutiu Agboke, has charged stakeholders to combat vote buying, violence at the 2026 Osun State Gubernatorial polls.

Fielding questions from journalists on the political programme Gbagede Oselu on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission officer urged Nigerians to wage a war against electoral fraud in future elections across the country.

Commenting on the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, Agboke said INEC has clear regulations, and anyone who violates the electoral process should be reported to security agencies.

“INEC has regulations. It has stipulated how our machines should work. So, any INEC staff who makes excuses contrary to existing rules and regulations is violating those rules.
“If you notice that, don’t attack him. Call the security agents and report him or her. For example, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which must be fully charged, is expected to function optimally, ”he said

Agboke questioned the roles of various stakeholders—especially the media, security agencies, civil society organisations, political leaders, and religious figures—during elections. He expressed concern over the rising violence before and on election day.

He urged these key players to fulfil their responsibilities and contribute to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy. Additionally, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) called on stakeholders to take the initiative in voter education and to inform the public about the electoral process.

“Let me tell you, in the whole world, there is no government that is better for the electorate, for the masses, than a democratic government. And the only process by which someone can attain this democratic position is through elections. We must all find solutions to any impediments.”,

He stressed that INEC alone cannot reduce or eliminate the menace of electoral malpractice, urging religious leaders and political actors to actively participate in safeguarding the integrity of elections.

“We have spoken. After INEC, invite the Commissioner of Police, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, principal CSOs, religious leaders—Christians and Muslims—let them come and explain the roles they are playing. We should not just stay in mosques or churches,” he said