Ramadan: Electoral integrity equals sacred trust – Osun REC tells election stakeholders

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke has described electoral integrity as a sacred trust that must be discharged with utmost sincerity and accountability before Allah.

Dr Agboke also stated that conducting elections with fairness, transparency, neutrality and honesty was not merely a civic responsibility but an act of worship in Islam, stressing that every deed would be accounted for before God.

Dr Agboke who was represented by the Osun INEC Administrative Secretary, Mrs Adelusi Victoria Temitayo, made this known during his opening remarks at the commission’s 10th Annual Ramadan Lecture Series on Wednesday in Osogbo.

This is as electorates in Osun intensify preparations towards the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

Speaking on the theme, “Maintaining Electoral Integrity: An Act of Worship”, Agboke said, “When an electoral officer refuses bribery, that is worship. When a stakeholder chooses peace over provocation, that is worship. When a political actor abides by the rules and avoids violence, that is worship.”

Agboke added that if INEC officials, political parties, security agencies and voters acted with taqwa, elections would be credible, campaigns peaceful and democracy strengthened across the state.

He said the Ramadan period provided a spiritual atmosphere that strengthens conscience and heightens awareness of divine accountability, adding that the lecture was intended to mould and refine the character of officials who would oversee the 2026 governorship poll.

He described the 10th edition of the annual lecture as a landmark, noting that “ten unbroken years of consistent spiritual reflection demonstrate our commitment not only to administrative excellence but also to moral and spiritual refinement.”

The Osun INEC boss said institutions thrive not only on regulations but on conscience, integrity and the fear of Allah, urging participants to internalise the lessons from the lecture rather than merely listen or applaud.

In his lecture, Sheikh Dr Al-Imam Abdulrasaq Aduagba Al-Adaby said Nigeria’s slow pace of development was linked to failure by both Muslims and Christians to adhere to the teachings of God and their religious leaders.

He said destruction of public property during anti-government protests was anti-people, adding that there was a lack of fear of God among the nation’s leadership.

The cleric stated that “there is no real opposition among politicians; the opposition is between politicians and the citizens,” urging leaders to act in the public interest.

In his welcome address, Abdulrahman Omotoso described Ramadan as a school of discipline, saying it was not merely a period of abstinence from food but one of total transformation.

He called for stronger family ties, forgiveness, charity and consistent recitation and application of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, while urging Muslims to observe the five daily prayers and pray for peace and guidance for leaders.

In his closing remarks, Abdulhakeem Akinsola emphasised the need for pious fasting and advised the faithful to remain mindful of the future as the state approaches the 2026 governorship election.

The event brought together electoral officials, religious leaders and other stakeholders.

Ramadan: Electoral integrity equals sacred trust – Osun REC tells election stakeholders