Labour Party Demands Reversal of Osun REC Transfer

The Labour Party, represented by its South West Vice Chairman Abayomi Arabambi, has condemned the transfer of Mutiu Agbok, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, describing it as unconstitutional. Arabambi urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse this decision and reinstate Agbok, citing concerns about a pattern of administrative actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that could undermine Nigeria's democracy ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 2026.

The INEC defended the transfer as a routine administrative measure. Arabambi argued that the removal of Agbok violated constitutional provisions, specifically referencing Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires Senate confirmation for such appointments.

He emphasized that the INEC Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, lacks the constitutional authority to remove a Resident Electoral Commissioner without due process. Arabambi called for an investigation into the matter and warned against political interference in the electoral process, urging the President to ensure the integrity of the electoral officials in Osun State.