The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Osun State that the ongoing leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) will not affect logistics for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, gave the assurance on Sunday during a town hall meeting on election integrity held in Osogbo and organised by the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity.
The meeting brought together representatives of civil society organisations, security agencies, the media, persons with disabilities, and traditional rulers to discuss preparations for the election.
Babalola described transportation as a critical component of the electoral process, stressing that efficient movement of personnel and election materials is essential to the success of the poll.
She explained that INEC is working directly with the national leadership of the NURTW rather than any faction in the Osun chapter, adding that the commission has received assurances of adequate support.
According to her, INEC has held several meetings with the union’s national leadership, emphasising the need for professionalism, neutrality, prompt service, and the provision of roadworthy vehicles for election duties.
Babalola said the commission was not concerned about internal disagreements within the state chapter of the transport union, insisting that its engagement with the national body would ensure smooth election logistics.
She expressed confidence that the union’s internal disputes would not interfere with the transportation of electoral personnel and materials across local governments, registration areas, and polling units.
Speaking at the event, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Moses Agunsoye, and the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba AbdulAzeez Olatunbosun, urged voters to reject vote-buying and cast their ballots based on conscience.
The traditional rulers also warned politicians and their supporters against violence, stressing that no political ambition should result in the loss of lives.
Responding to concerns that Ijesaland had been identified as a potential flashpoint, Oba Agunsoye said traditional rulers in the area, led by the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, had already engaged political stakeholders and cautioned them against acts capable of disrupting the election.
Oba Olatunbosun also called on all participants in the electoral process to prioritise peace, unity, and the overall development of the state, describing the governorship contest as a competition of ideas rather than violence.
Other participants at the meeting urged security agencies and electoral officials to remain impartial and resist any attempt to compromise the credibility of the election.
Osun voters are expected to elect a new governor on August 15, with 14 political parties, including the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state and the opposition All Progressives Congress, fielding candidates.
