The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the replacement of some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) initially deployed for election duties in Osun State.

The development followed the decision of some corps members to opt out of the exercise over fears of possible violence during the governorship election.

An electoral officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity with Yes FM correspondent, Abolade Sowunmi, in Ile-Ife, said the affected corps members had undergone training alongside other ad hoc staff before withdrawing from the assignment.

According to the officer, the corps members pulled out following warnings from their parents, who reportedly expressed concerns about their safety and threatened to disown their wards if they proceeded with the election duty.

The officer said the decision by INEC to replace the corps members entirely was aimed at ensuring a smooth and hitch-free conduct of the election.

He added that the commission was working to deploy replacement personnel to take over the responsibilities of the affected corps members ahead of the poll.

The development comes amid heightened concerns over security ahead of the Osun governorship election.