Politics
Osun 2026: INEC, KDI strengthen collaboration ahead of election
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke has reiterated the commitment of the commission to welcome all non-governmental organisations involved in the electoral process.
Dr Agboke also added that the Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, had remained a veritable platform for articulating election matters for all to understand.
Dr Agboke made this known while playing host to the leadership of KDI during a courtesy visit to the INEC state Osogbo on Tuesday.
He noted that the organisation’s contributions had been helpful, saying, “Their analysis of elections has also been objective.”
He stated that he was particularly interested in KDI’s support for empowering ad-hoc staff, providing clear messages for security agencies and improving the capacity of journalists.
“INEC has opened platforms for journalists but beyond that, election management is a different ball game but we still need intervention,” he said.
The REC also expressed readiness for deeper collaboration with the organisation and maintained that KDI possessed the competence to support the process.
“We want to partner with you in how we can monitor on the election day, from announcement of election at the polling unit, collation of results and announcement of the final results.
“I know KDI has the capacity and what it takes to help inject,” he said.
He remarked that there had been no orchestrated attacks on INEC since his assumption of duty in the state, adding that it reflected the conduct of the commission and it is good for its image.
He stressed that he would never act as an agent of confusion in electoral matters.
“We want KDI to help us build intelligence that will help us monitor the election successfully,” he said.
In his response, the Executive Director of KDI, Bukola Idowu, said the organisation worked on elections, voter participation and advocacy and aimed at improving voter turnout and inclusivity.
He explained that KDI also monitored campaign releases and engaged in electoral justice through tribunal tracking.
“We believe as an organisation court processes too is part of the electoral process,” he said.
Idowu said the organisation, founded in 2014 in Osun State, had observed INEC’s preparations for the 2026 governorship election.
“We dare say we have not seen this type of early preparation, which means you and the commission want a successful election,” he said.
He commended the commission’s efforts and expressed KDI’s willingness to partner further and added that INEC had excelled in communication.
He noted, “The Osun election is going to be competitive and this requires a lot of logistics, security, having the staff that will work who knows what they need to do.
“INEC has been able to take control of information dissemination. I encourage the commission to sustain these efforts.”
He revealed that KDI was already developing its programme towards the Osun 2026 poll.
