INEC Intensifies Preparations for Osun Governorship Election, Says Ballot Will Determine Winner
INEC Intensifies Preparations for Osun Governorship Election, Says Ballot Will Determine Winner
INEC Intensifies Preparations for Osun Governorship Election, Says Ballot Will Determine Winner
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, assuring residents that the ballot, rather than violence, will determine who emerges as the next governor of the state.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the assurance during a statewide readiness assessment on Friday, including a visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye II.
The visit was aimed at briefing traditional institutions on the commission’s preparations and seeking their support in mobilising residents for peaceful and credible participation in the election.
Speaking on behalf of the palace, Hon. Justice Kayode Adebiyigbe commended INEC for its efforts to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. He appealed to residents to maintain peace throughout the electoral period, particularly with the ongoing Osun-Osogbo Festival.
He also pledged the continued support and prayers of the traditional institution for a peaceful, credible and widely accepted election.
Professor Amupitan said the commission’s engagement with traditional rulers was part of its responsibility to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately informed and prepared for the off-cycle election.
He stressed that the success of the election would depend on peaceful conduct, timely commencement and conclusion of voting, as well as the prompt announcement of results.
The INEC Chairman disclosed that additional security personnel would be deployed across the state to prevent electoral violence. He also urged traditional rulers to use their influence to encourage political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peace and respect the electoral process.
According to him, the Osun governorship election is particularly significant as it will provide an important test of INEC’s operational preparedness ahead of subsequent elections, including the 2027 general elections.
INEC to Conduct Mock Accreditation
Professor Amupitan further announced plans for a mock accreditation exercise at selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He explained that the exercise would enable INEC to test its technology, logistics and other operational systems ahead of election day.
The INEC Chairman also warned residents against misinformation and disinformation designed to discourage voter participation, assuring that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to protect voters, election officials and sensitive electoral materials.
Emphasising the importance of peaceful democratic participation, he declared that “ballot boxes, not bullets, will determine the future of Osun State.”
The Ataoja’s palace subsequently presented a gift to the INEC Chairman in appreciation of his visit.
INEC Warns Election Officials Against Political Interference
Following the palace engagement, Professor Amupitan inspected the ongoing training of Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) and charged them to strictly comply with the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines and operational manuals.
He emphasised the need for confidentiality in handling sensitive electoral materials and warned officials against delays, diversion or improper handling of materials meant for polling units.
The INEC Chairman urged the officials to remain neutral and resist political pressure, reminding them that the assignment was a national responsibility.
“This is a national assignment and a call to duty. Do not allow politicians to influence your conduct. Stick to the rules and master the operational manual,” he told the participants.
Professor Amupitan also visited the INEC office in Obokun Local Government Area to assess its level of preparedness.
He concluded the day’s activities with an engagement with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), focusing on transportation and logistics arrangements for the August 15 governorship election.
INEC Intensifies Preparations for Osun Governorship Election, Says Ballot Will Determine Winner
