The Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke has re-assured that the outcomes of 2023 general elections would be determined by the votes of the electorates.
Agboke, who stated this during an interview in Osogbo on Wednesday, disclosed that the Commission remained neutral and independent and would provide a level playing ground for all political parties and candidates in accordance with the electoral laws.
Agboke also said the Commission had begun a series of sensitization programmes and consultation to major stakeholders in order to ensure that the general election was hitch free, smooth and credible.
In his words, “It is just about 100 days to the general election and I want to assure you that the Commission is fully prepared. The recent attacks in Osun and Ogun would not affect the organisation from organizing credible, free and fair elections. No matter the attacks on INEC facilities, the commission would easily adjust and bounce back. The effect won’t be on INEC but we’re just wasting taxpayers’ money. This is where we need to think deep and be wise.
“I urge all politicians to go to people with good manifestoes. The era of election rigging is over. The vote will determine the election winner and there is no short-cut about that. Our politicians should also steer clear of vote buying because it’s a criminal offence. We all have roles to play to bring sanity into our political sphere and all arms should be on the deck to make Nigeria great.”
Pointing to the recent attack on one of its offices in Osun State, Agboke described the act as unfortunate and added that the inferno did not affect any of its sensitive or insensitive materials.
The Osun REC, however, warned any group or individuals planning any other attack on its offices or facilities to steer clear from the act as the law enforcement agencies have been instructed to decisively deal with anybody culpable of the act.
He also urged parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to refrain from being used as instruments of destruction by politicians.
“We have resolved to crush anybody who makes any move to attack or destroy our facilities henceforth. What is important is for us to organize a credible platform for people to vote and the expectation from the electorate is to vote for candidates of their choice. Any other plan to destabilize the process will not be tolerated,” he stated.
