Osun State citizens can expect a trustworthy gubernatorial poll, according to INEC's guarantee.

The Independent National Electoral Commissioner in Osun has made a commitment to the state's residents, guaranteeing a governorship election that is peaceful, credible, and transparent on August 15.

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Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, provided this assurance while speaking to protesters at the commission's office in Osogbo on Tuesday.

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The protesters, comprising market women and civil society groups, had gathered to express their discontent over the transfer of former REC, Dr Mutiu Agboke, citing concerns about potential election manipulation, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

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Represented by Mr Niyi Fayanju, Head of the Legal Department, and Mr Rufus Ariyo, Head of Voters' Education and Publicity, Babalola reassured the protesters that their votes would indeed count in the upcoming election.

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The commission, according to Babalola, has implemented measures to ensure the August governorship election is credible, free, fair, and conclusive.

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Babalola acknowledged the residents' concerns as understandable, promising to uphold the commission's integrity and guarantee that every vote counts during her tenure in the state.

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She clarified that the transfer of staff members is the commission's prerogative and that the transfer of the former REC was conducted in accordance with civil service rules.

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Some protesters who spoke with journalists alleged that the transfer of the former REC was motivated by political considerations.

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The protesters advised the new REC to maintain the integrity of the process, ensuring that votes are counted accurately and without favoring any particular political party.

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Artisans Mrs Sadiat Amsat, Ms Temitope Abass, and Mrs Mary Adewale appealed to INEC to remain impartial and transparent in the conduct of the election, rather than supporting any specific political party.

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Mr Musa Abdulsalam, Osun Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, who coordinated the protest, submitted a petition to the INEC officials on behalf of the protesters.