Osun 2026: NYCN Commends INEC's Readiness, Faults Police Over PVC Centre Attack

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Osun State Chapter, Comrade Akinbode Olakolupo Oluwasegun, has commended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, and the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr. Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, for what he described as the Commission's outstanding preparations ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.

Speaking during the INEC Stakeholders' Engagement held at the Atlantis Event Centre in Osogbo, Akinbode praised the electoral body for its strategic leadership, voter education campaigns, stakeholder engagements, grassroots sensitisation, and ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that the initiatives have strengthened public confidence in the electoral process.

He said the Commission had demonstrated a high level of professionalism and readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible, and conclusive governorship election.

The NYCN chairman also assured INEC that youths across the state are prepared to participate actively in the election, describing young people as critical stakeholders in the democratic process.

However, he expressed concern over the security situation ahead of the poll, alleging that the Osun State Commissioner of Police has not taken sufficient proactive measures to address emerging threats capable of disrupting the electoral process.

According to him, while INEC has shown adequate preparedness, the responsibility for protecting electoral personnel, voters, and sensitive materials rests with security agencies.

Akinbode cited the reported attack on a PVC collection centre, where Permanent Voter Cards were allegedly carted away by hoodlums, as evidence that security operatives must strengthen intelligence gathering and preventive policing to forestall incidents that could undermine public confidence in the election.

He warned that voter turnout could be affected if citizens, particularly young people, do not feel safe participating in the electoral process.

"No young person will willingly come out to vote where there is fear or uncertainty about safety. The confidence of voters depends not only on INEC's preparations but also on the ability of security agencies to provide adequate protection before, during, and after the election," he said.

The NYCN chairman called on all security agencies to remain professional, impartial, and committed to their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that a peaceful and secure environment is essential for the credibility and success of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.