OSUN GOVERNORSHIP POLL WILL BE DECIDED BY VOTES, NOT VIOLENCE – INEC CHAIR

OSUN GOVERNORSHIP POLL WILL BE DECIDED BY VOTES, NOT VIOLENCE – INEC CHAIR

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured residents of Osun State that the winner of the August 15, 2026 governorship election will emerge through a free, fair and credible electoral process.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, on Friday, Amupitan said the outcome of the election would be determined by the votes of the people rather than violence.

He described the forthcoming governorship poll as a significant electoral exercise that would serve as a key test ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.

"The decision of who becomes the governor should not be decided by bullet but by the will of the people through their votes. We are committed to ensuring that this is achieved, and the good people of Osun State will make the decision," Amupitan said.

The INEC chairman acknowledged concerns over political tension in the state but disclosed that the commission was working closely with security agencies to guarantee a peaceful election.

According to him, consultations have been held with the Nigeria Police Force, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and other security chiefs to ensure adequate deployment of personnel across Osun State.

"We are working with the police, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and service chiefs to ensure special deployment for Osun State so that the election will be peaceful. We don't want violence," he added.

Amupitan further described the Osun governorship election as "a mirror to the 2027 general election," stressing the importance of conducting a transparent, peaceful and credible poll.

Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, commended INEC for the visit and urged the electoral commission to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

The monarch appealed to the commission to ensure that the election remains free, fair and credible, expressing confidence that a transparent process would strengthen public trust in Nigeria's democracy.