The Chairman of Civil Society Matters for the Imole Campaign Council, Mr Funsho Babarinde, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission that civil society organisations in the state will not accept any excuse for lapses in the conduct of the August 15 gubernatorial election in Osun State.
Babarinde in a statement on Wednesday in Osogbo, said civil society groups across the state had been monitoring INEC’s activities in recent months and expected nothing short of a free, fair and credible election.
“INEC has no excuse this time around. The commission has had sufficient time to prepare, and the people of Osun deserve an election that reflects their true choice,” Babarinde said.
He noted that civil society organisations would deploy observers across all 30 local governments and Modakeke Area office to monitor voting, collation and the announcement of results.
Babarinde also urged the commission to open its portal for civil society organisations that want to monitor the election for registration and accreditation.
He, however, warned that attempts to disenfranchise voters, delay logistics or compromise the integrity of the election would be met with immediate resistance from the civil society community.
“We are putting INEC on notice that Nigerians are watching. The August 15 election must set a standard for electoral transparency in the country,” he said.
Babarinde also called on the commission to ensure the timely deployment of materials and personnel to polling units, noting that late arrival had marred previous elections in the state.
He said the Imole Campaign Council was committed to promoting civic participation and would continue to educate voters on their rights and responsibilities before the election date.
“We will not take any excuse from INEC. The credibility of this election will define the trust people have in our democratic institutions,” he said.
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