The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has condemned allegations made by the State House of Assembly linking a former governor to recent staff movements within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC dismissed the claims raised by lawmakers led by Speaker Wale Egbedun as baseless, following a press briefing held earlier in Osogbo.
The Assembly had alleged that Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, was behind internal operational changes within INEC in the state.
In response, the APC insisted that such staff redeployments fall strictly within the statutory mandate of the electoral body and are governed by existing electoral laws.
“Routine administrative actions of INEC should not be misconstrued or politicised. Such transfers have occurred previously without controversy.”
The party stated that it had no involvement in the internal affairs of INEC and was unaware of the specific staff movement referenced by the lawmakers.
“We are not even aware that such action has taken place, and we are not concerned with the internal operations of the commission,” the APC said.
The statement also dismissed the allegation against Oyetola as lacking evidence, stressing that “it is a fundamental principle that whoever makes an allegation must provide proof.”
The APC accused the lawmakers of diverting attention from governance issues, suggesting that their actions were politically motivated ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The party linked the controversy to broader political developments in the state, noting that preparations for the election were intensifying among various stakeholders.
It reaffirmed its support for its governorship candidate, stating that efforts were ongoing to secure electoral victory through lawful means.
“Oyetola and other party members remain committed to working within the law to ensure success at the polls,” the statement added.
The APC also urged the public to disregard the allegations, describing them as “baseless and unsupported by any empirical evidence.”
Reiterating its position, the party maintained that INEC should be allowed to carry out its duties independently, without external interference or political pressure.
The Osun State House of Assembly on Thursday raised concerns over recent administrative changes within the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, warning that the developments could affect the integrity of forthcoming elections in the state.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, Speaker of the Assembly, Adewale Egbedun on behalf of lawmakers said the redeployment of Dr Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun had drawn attention, particularly as it appeared sudden and without clear justification.
The Assembly disclosed that it had also received reports suggesting that further redeployments of key electoral personnel were being considered, including officials such as Administrative Secretaries, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and ICT staff across the state.
It was also reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC redeployed its Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke.
The redeployment came amid petitions to the electoral umpire’s chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan over alleged partisanship.
It was gathered that the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, demanded for Agboke’s redeployment ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.
