Osun transport union unrest will not impact governorship election, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State has provided assurances that the internal conflicts within the state chapter of the National Union Road Transport Workers will not have a detrimental impact on the logistical arrangements for the upcoming August 15, 2026 governorship election in the state.

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Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, made this assurance on Sunday in Osogbo at a town hall meeting organised by the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity, which was attended by a diverse range of stakeholders.

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Attendees at the town hall meeting included representatives from civil society organisations, security agencies, media outlets, Persons with Disabilities, and traditional rulers, among others, all of whom played a crucial role in the discussions.

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Babalola emphasised that transportation is a vital component of election logistics, noting that any failure in this area could potentially jeopardise the entire electoral process, highlighting the critical nature of this aspect.

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According to Babalola, the success of the election is heavily reliant on transportation, as it is the primary means of moving personnel and materials to local government areas, registration areas, and polling units, underscoring its importance.

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The REC stated that the commission has been engaging directly with the national body of the National Union Road Transport Workers, rather than any faction at the state level, in order to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

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She revealed that the commission has held multiple meetings with the national leadership of the NURTW, emphasising the need for promptness, neutrality, professionalism, and the provision of vehicles in good condition, all of which are essential for the election.

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Babalola noted that she has not been informed of any factions within the union and that the commission is working with a specific body, which has provided assurances that there will be no issues with the movement of personnel and materials.

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She stated that any internal problems within the union are not the commission's concern, as they are dealing directly with the national body, which has given them confidence in the arrangement.

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Earlier, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Moses Agunsoye, and the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba AbdulAzeez Olatunbosun, urged voters to cast their ballots according to their conscience and not be swayed by financial inducements, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the electoral process.

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The monarchs cautioned that no political ambition should result in the loss of human life and warned politicians and their supporters against engaging in violent behaviour in the state, stressing the need for peace and stability.

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Addressing concerns that Ijesaland is a predicted hot spot for the election, Oba Agunsoye revealed that traditional rulers in the zone, led by the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Owa Adesuyi Haastrup, had met with politicians to warn them against engaging in violent behaviour in the area.

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Oba Olatunbosun emphasized that the forthcoming gubernatorial election should be approached as a contest of ideas and service, rather than one of violence, and urged all stakeholders to prioritize the peace, unity, and progress of the society above personal interests.

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Other speakers at the meeting highlighted the need for security operatives and electoral officials to remain neutral and resist any attempts to compromise the electoral process, ensuring a free and fair election.

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The electorate in Osun will go to the polls on August 15 to elect a governor, with 14 political parties, including the Accord party, which is the ruling party in the state, and the All Progressives Congress, which is the national ruling party, fielding candidates in the election.