INEC Describes Osun Governorship Election as Key Test Ahead of 2027 General Elections

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Politics Osun poll strategically important in Nigeria’s democratic calendar — INEC Chairman Published on July 31, 2026 By Francis Ezediuno The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has noted that preparations for the Osun governorship election also formed part of the commission’s broader plans for the 2027 general elections, describing the state as strategically important in Nigeria’s electoral calendar. Prof Amupitan made this disclosure on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, where he appealed for the support of traditional institutions in promoting peace before, during and after the election. According to him, “Osun is special in the democratic structure of Nigeria because it is the last major off-cycle election before the general elections. We now see it as a mirror through which we can measure our preparations for the 2027 general elections.” He also maintained that the commission has put in place extensive measures to ensure a successful August 15 governorship election in Osun State and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, credible and transparent governorship election in the State. The INEC chairman said the commission had prioritised peaceful conduct, efficient logistics, timely commencement of voting, transparent result management and prompt declaration of results as critical components of the election. According to him, “INEC had also introduced additional measures to enhance voter participation, including the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection period and the introduction of online voter registration initiatives. “We have the responsibility and duty to do everything within our power to ensure that the election is peaceful. “We are doing everything possible in INEC and putting a lot of measures in place, like the extension of the collection of PVCs and the introduction of online registration, to make sure the election is free, fair, inclusive and credible.” Addressing concerns over political tension in the state, Amupitan disclosed that INEC had been working closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure adequate deployment of personnel and prevent violence during the election. He stressed that no political contest was worth the loss of human lives, saying, “The blood of any resident of the state is not worth shedding. INEC will do everything possible to ensure the safety of voters and our staff on election day.” The INEC chairman appealed to the Ataoja to use his influence to encourage politicians and their supporters to embrace peace, noting that the monarch’s voice carried significant weight across Osogbo and beyond. “We appeal to the Ataoja of Osogbo to help us intervene in order to avoid further regret and the futility of fighting ourselves. Osun is a shining example to other states, but what will they learn if there is violence and bloodshed? INEC is committed to ensuring that a peaceful election is achieved and that the people of the state freely choose their preferred candidate on 15 August,” he added. Amupitan expressed concern that election-related violence could discourage voter turnout, warning that attempts to intimidate the electorate would undermine democratic participation. Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, welcomed the INEC chairman and called for a peaceful, free and fair governorship election across Osun State. Oba Oyetunji thanked the commission’s l

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has described the forthcoming Osun State governorship election as a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s democratic process, saying the poll will serve as a major assessment of the commission’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Prof. Amupitan appealed to traditional rulers to help sustain peace before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.

According to the INEC chairman, Osun occupies a unique position in Nigeria’s electoral calendar because it is the final major off-cycle governorship election before the next nationwide general election.

“Osun is special in Nigeria’s democratic structure because it is the last major off-cycle election before the general elections. We now see it as a mirror through which we can measure our preparations for the 2027 general elections,” he said.

INEC Assures Residents of Credible and Peaceful Poll

Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, transparent and credible election, stressing that extensive preparations have already been put in place to guarantee a smooth voting process.

He said INEC is prioritising efficient logistics, early commencement of voting, transparent result management and timely announcement of election results.

The commission, he added, has also introduced additional measures aimed at increasing voter participation. These include extending the period for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection and expanding access through online voter registration initiatives.

“We have the responsibility and duty to do everything within our power to ensure that the election is peaceful.

“We are putting several measures in place, including the extension of PVC collection and online registration, to ensure the election is free, fair, inclusive and credible.”

INEC Working With Security Agencies to Prevent Violence

Addressing concerns over rising political tension in Osun State, the INEC chairman disclosed that the commission has been working closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure adequate security deployment across the state on election day.

He warned that no political ambition should come at the cost of human lives and assured residents that the commission would do everything possible to safeguard voters, election officials and electoral materials.

“The blood of any resident of the state is not worth shedding. INEC will do everything possible to ensure the safety of voters and our staff on election day.”

Prof. Amupitan also cautioned that violence and voter intimidation could discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process, ultimately weakening Nigeria’s democracy.

Traditional Rulers Urged to Promote Peace

The INEC chairman appealed to the Ataoja of Osogbo to use his influence in encouraging political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful conduct throughout the election period.

According to him, traditional institutions remain highly respected and can play a significant role in preventing violence and promoting unity.

“We appeal to the Ataoja of Osogbo to help us intervene in order to avoid further regret and the futility of fighting ourselves. Osun is a shining example to other states, but what will they learn if there is violence and bloodshed? INEC is committed to ensuring that a peaceful election is achieved and that the people of the state freely choose their preferred candidate on August 15.”

Ataoja Backs Peaceful Governorship Election

Responding to the visit, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, welcomed the INEC chairman and pledged the palace’s support for efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful, free and fair governorship election.

The monarch commended the commission’s leadership for engaging traditional institutions and offered prayers for wisdom, strength and divine guidance as INEC prepares for the crucial poll.

Former Justice Reaffirms Palace’s Commitment

Also speaking during the visit, retired Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, described the assignment before the new INEC chairman as a significant national responsibility, especially with the strategic importance of the upcoming Osun governorship election.

He assured the INEC chairman that the Ataoja’s palace would continue to encourage peaceful coexistence among political stakeholders while promoting dialogue as a means of resolving differences despite prevailing security concerns.

3 weeks ago

0 36 3 minutes read