By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Coalition for Civic and National Consciousness (CCNC) has raised concerns over the transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State, warning that the development could have serious implications for the credibility of the forthcoming elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, and signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Raufu Sodiq (Oluomo Success), alongside Secretary Comrade Tobest and Chairman Comrade Musa Akinkunmi, the group described the action as one that calls for public scrutiny.
“The transfer of the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, to Ondo State, alongside the reported plan to redeploy technical staff across local government offices in Osun State, is an administrative action with significant political consequences,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy its personnel, the group maintained that such powers must be exercised with caution.
“Administrative discretion does not exist in a vacuum.
When timing, context, and precedent converge, such discretion inevitably becomes a matter for public scrutiny within a democratic system,” it stated.
The group expressed concern over the timing of the transfer, describing it as “late-hour” and capable of undermining institutional neutrality. It warned that the reported redeployment of technical staff across the state further heightens fears about the integrity of the electoral process.
According to the statement, reports suggest that the transfer of the REC may have been triggered by a petition. The group, however, questioned whether due process was followed.
“If this is the case, then due process demands answers,” it said, asking whether any investigative panel was set up, its composition, and the outcome of its findings.
“To act on an allegation without proper investigation is to convert petition into policy,” the group added, warning that such a move could open the door for undue influence on electoral management.
The CCNC emphasised the critical role of the REC in election planning and execution, noting that the office serves as the “operational anchor” for activities such as BVAS configuration, polling unit mapping, training of ad-hoc staff, and custody of sensitive materials. It stressed that removing key officials at a crucial period could destabilise the process.
“To remove both the operational anchor and institutional memory at such a critical period is to risk destabilising the electoral process,” the statement read.
The group also questioned the urgency of the decision, suggesting that if the allegations against the REC were weighty, suspension pending investigation would have been more appropriate.
“If they are not, then any administrative action could reasonably have been deferred until after the election to preserve neutrality,” it added.
Concerns were also raised about the newly deployed REC to Osun State.
The group noted that there have been “reported concerns and controversies in past assignments,” urging INEC to exercise caution in appointments that could affect public confidence.
Citing relevant provisions of the Constitution, the group acknowledged INEC’s legal authority to manage its personnel but insisted that legitimacy must be tied to transparency and fairness.
“While this power is legal, its legitimacy depends on transparent, impartial, and publicly defensible exercise,” the statement said.
The group further warned that the development could set a dangerous precedent if not properly addressed.
“If a petition without transparent investigation can trigger the transfer of a Resident Electoral Commissioner today, it raises a troubling precedent,” it said, adding that such actions could lead to arbitrary changes in key electoral personnel close to elections.
The CCNC called for the immediate publication of the petition against Dr. Agboke and any investigative findings, as well as the suspension of the transfer and redeployment of technical staff until after the elections.
It also demanded full disclosure of the service record of the newly posted REC and the establishment of clear guidelines to prevent last minute transfers of key electoral officials.
The group warned that failure to address its concerns could lead to further action.
“If our demands are not met, we will have no choice than to use the last C of aluta, which is confrontation,” it stated.
Reaffirming its position, the group noted that “INEC does not own elections; it holds them in trust on behalf of the Nigerian people,” urging the commission to act in a manner that strengthens public confidence in the electoral process.
(Courtesy: Osun Spring)