Citing misinformation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday said its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, is neither removed nor redeployed as widely reported by a section of the media.

Instead, it said the REC was on leave of absence for his safety ahead of the state governorship election scheduled for August 9.
In a statement on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Kayode Robert Idowu, the electoral umpire clarified that “the REC was requested by the Commission to step aside against the backdrop of intense partisan acrimony over his person. He acceded to the request, knowing the effort being invested by INEC to make the Osun governorship election free, fair and credible. He has not been indicted for any offence, and the appeal by INEC for a stay of execution of the interlocutory order restraining the Commission from recognising him as Osun REC still subsist.
 
“For avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Rufus Akeju remains INEC’s substantive Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State. But another Resident Electoral Commissioner will hold forte for the period that Akeju will be away on his leave of absence.
 
“The Commission hereby reaffirms commitment to spare no effort in ensuring that the upcoming Osun State governorship election is successful, and that it meets the best possible standard of credibility. It urges all other stakeholders to join in this commitment.