The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has refuted claims that military personnel have taken over its premises, dismissing the reports as false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Tuesday, the commission’s Information Officer, Sadiat Isiaka, clarified that the viral social media reports suggesting that soldiers had sealed off the OSSIEC office were entirely untrue.
Reaffirming that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday would proceed as planned, the commission urged residents to ignore misinformation and not allow fake reports to discourage their participation in the electoral process.
“The public is advised to disregard the false claims that the commission’s premises have been sealed off by the Nigerian Army. The OSSIEC office remains secure, with a strong presence of inter-agency security personnel, including the police, DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, Amotekun Corps, and the Vigilante Group, ensuring safety for all,” the statement read.
OSSIEC also expressed appreciation to security agencies for their role in safeguarding its staff, facilities, and election materials.
It described the viral report as propaganda aimed at misleading the electorate and causing unnecessary panic.
Reassuring Osun residents, the commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a free and fair election as scheduled, emphasizing that false information should not deter voters from exercising their democratic rights.