The Resident Electoral Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, has expressed worry over the remaining 360,794 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that are yet to be collected out of the 1,954,800 registered voters in the state.
Agboke, who spoke at an interactive session with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Osogbo, Wednesday, sought the support of journalists to curtail electoral malpractice in the 2026 governorship election in the state.
He assured that the commission is ready to conduct a credible election and emphasized the critical role of the media in ensuring the success of electoral processes.
Agboke hinted that the notice of election will be officially posted across all 30 local government offices and the area office in Modakeke on August 13, 2025, in line with INEC’s national timetable, disclosing that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will begin with online registration on August 18, while physical registration at local government offices will commence on August 25 and run daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
According to him, the CVR will be conducted free of charge, saying that
no INEC staff is authorised to request money from registrants.
“Eligible voters include those who have just turned 18; those who have changed residence; and individuals needing card replacements due to loss or damage.”
He also commended the Osun media for accurate and responsible reportage of INEC activities since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, noting that no case of misinformation had been recorded.
“The media in Osun State, both print and the broadcast, have contributed and still contributing significantly to the smooth running of our activities and with wide spread reportage. We have always had cause to be on the same page in terms of the correct and adequate reportage of the activities of the commission in the state.
“At least, since the conclusion of the 2023 general election till date, no misinformation had been reported by the media platforms in Osun State with respect to the activities of the commission.This was made easy because there was an avenue to cross check the veracity of any information from the commission at the Osogbo office of the commission,” Agboke said.
Also, Agboke urged journalists to help amplify messages against vote buying, electoral violence, and misinformation, warning that any action that undermines the electoral process could jeopardize democracy.
“INEC alone cannot do it. With you members of the media as a major stakeholder, we shall achieve success together in Osun State,” he said.