TAGGIN, The Advocacy Group for Good Governance in Nigeria, has identified the ongoing alleged scheme by the APC and the Osun REC to delete voters from the register ahead of the August 15 election. The credibility of any election rests on an accurate and unaltered voters’ register. It is the foundation of free, fair, and credible polls, and any attempt to tamper with it is an attack on democracy and the rule of law.
TAGGIN has taken note of the alert issued by the Osun State Chapter of the Accord regarding this alleged scheme to selectively remove names from the voters’ register. According to the allegation, officials are being directed to delete names from polling units and disguise the act as a technical glitch. If substantiated, this constitutes voter suppression and a violation of Section 22 of the Electoral Act 2022.
We state unequivocally that no form of electoral manipulation will be tolerated in Osun State. The people are vigilant, informed, and will not stand by while their right to vote is undermined. Osun voters have consistently defended their mandate, and any attempt to alter the register will attract immediate public scrutiny, petitions, and legal action. INEC is legally bound to maintain a clean and transparent register, and any official involved in partisan deletion will face legal and institutional consequences.
This development is reckless and unacceptable. Masking disenfranchisement as a technical error insults the intelligence of Osun voters and erodes public trust in the electoral process.
TAGGIN therefore calls on INEC, and specifically the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, to address the public without delay on the alleged meetings and understandings between the Osun REC and the APC at Ileri Oluwa House. We demand that INEC convene a press conference immediately to clarify the allegation, publish a verifiable audit trail of all changes to the voters’ register before August 15, and allow party agents, observers, and civil society to verify updates. We also urge security agencies to prevent any abuse of office aimed at intimidating voters or interfering with the process. To Osun voters, verify your registration status now through INEC’s official channels and report any irregularities without delay.
Osun has a proud history of defending its democratic rights. The mandate belongs to the people, and on August 15, it must be secured at the ballot box, not erased from the register.
Issued by:
TAGGIN – The Advocacy Group for Good Governance in Nigeria
For Transparency, Accountability, and Credible Elections in Osun State
