INEC Assures Osun Voters of Peaceful, Credible August 15 Governorship Election
INEC Assures Osun Voters of Peaceful, Credible August 15 Governorship Election
INEC Assures Osun Voters of Peaceful, Credible August 15 Governorship Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Osun State that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election on August 15, 2026.
The Commission also warned that individuals involved in vote buying, electoral violence or any attempt to disrupt the electoral process would face the full weight of the law.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the assurance on Thursday in Osogbo during the signing of the Osun State Peace Accord, organised by the National Peace Committee.
The event brought together political party leaders, candidates, security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, who pledged to promote peaceful campaigns and respect the outcome of the election.
Amupitan disclosed that seven of the nine scheduled electoral activities had already been completed, with the remaining key activities being the conclusion of campaigns on August 13 and the governorship election on August 15.
He said more than 2.3 million registered voters are expected to participate in the election, adding that INEC had extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) until July 31 to encourage greater voter participation.
2,000 Polling Units Identified as Vulnerable
Addressing security concerns, the INEC Chairman said the Commission had adopted a proactive security strategy through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
According to him, intelligence-led security deployments are being planned for identified flashpoints across the state.
He disclosed that approximately 2,000 polling units had been classified as vulnerable, with additional security personnel expected to be deployed to protect voters, election officials and electoral materials.
“We will not allow the democratic will of the people to be subverted by fear or force,” Amupitan declared, reaffirming INEC’s commitment to neutrality and transparency.
He also announced that the Commission would conduct a statewide mock accreditation exercise on August 1 to test its technology, systems and logistics ahead of election day.
Peace Committee Urges Political Actors to Respect Outcome
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), Cardinal John Onaiyekan described the Peace Accord as more than a ceremonial exercise, stressing that it represented a solemn commitment to peaceful democratic conduct.
He urged political parties and their supporters to conduct responsible campaigns, respect the rule of law and accept the outcome of the election.
“Elections will come and go. In every election, somebody will win while others will lose. Life will continue,” Onaiyekan said.
He also called on INEC and security agencies to maintain impartiality, noting that credible elections depend on both the conduct of political actors and the professionalism of election administrators and security personnel.
Police Assure Residents of Adequate Security
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Akinyele Fasuba assured residents that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place across the state.
He said security agencies would remain neutral while maintaining law and order before, during and after the election.
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, also appealed to politicians and their supporters to shun violence, vote buying and inflammatory statements.
The monarch urged voters to exercise their franchise peacefully and resist attempts to buy their votes or manipulate them into acts of violence.
“Power belongs to the people. Go out peacefully, vote according to your conscience, and return home peacefully,” the Ooni said.
Political Parties Sign Peace Accord
The event ended with candidates and representatives of participating political parties formally signing the Osun State Peace Accord, committing themselves to issue-based campaigns, peaceful conduct and respect for the outcome of the August 15 election.
Following the ceremony, Prof. Amupitan led INEC National Commissioners, directors, technical staff and the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, on an assessment tour of selected local government areas.
The tour was aimed at evaluating the Commission’s operational preparedness and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place for the successful conduct of the August 15 governorship election.
INEC Assures Osun Voters of Peaceful, Credible August 15 Governorship Election
