INEC Chairman, Ataoja Seek Peaceful, Credible Osun Governorship Election, Warn Against Violence

Oru Leonard 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, have jointly appealed for a peaceful, free and credible governorship election in Osun State, with the electoral body assuring residents that no life should be lost in the pursuit of political power.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja’s palace in Osogbo on Friday, Prof. Amupitan declared that the Commission had placed the safety of voters at the centre of its preparations for the August 15 governorship election.”We don’t want violence. The blood of any Osun citizen is not worth shedding just for the purpose of electing a governor,” the INEC Chairman said, stressing that the Commission was determined to ensure that no resident loses his or her life because of the election.

He disclosed that INEC had intensified collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs to guarantee adequate security throughout the election period.

Prof. Amupitan also cautioned voters against fake videos and misinformation designed to discourage participation, urging residents to ignore false narratives and exercise their democratic rights peacefully.

According to him, the recently signed peace accord by governorship candidates was intended to ensure that the outcome of the election reflects the will of the electorate rather than violence or intimidation.

“The decision on who becomes governor will not be decided by the barrel of the gun. It will be decided by the will of the people of Osun State,” he said.

The INEC Chairman further announced that mock accreditation would be conducted in selected local government areas across the state’s three senatorial districts to test election technology and logistics ahead of the poll.

Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo urged the electoral umpire to deliver an election that is transparent, peaceful and acceptable to all contestants.

“I want you to ensure a free and fair election on August 15 so that it is only the will of the citizens of Osun State that will prevail,” the monarch said, adding that such an outcome would encourage public confidence in the democratic process.

Earlier, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, Hon. Justice Moshood Adeigbe, commended INEC for engaging traditional institutions ahead of the election, describing the visit as timely amid growing political activities in the state.

He appealed to residents to maintain peace and praised security agencies for efforts to prevent electoral violence, expressing confidence that the election would produce acceptable and credible results.

Amupitan Charges Election Officials
Later on Friday, Prof. Amupitan addressed Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) undergoing training at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo, where he directed them to ensure timely deployment of personnel and election materials.

He instructed that all election officials and materials must arrive at polling units by 7:30 a.m. to enable voting to commence promptly at 8:30 a.m.
“There must be no delay of materials, no diversion of materials and don’t allow politicians to use you,” he warned.
The INEC Chairman reminded the officers that their conduct would shape public perception of the Commission, urging them to strictly comply with the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines and operational manuals.

He described the Osun governorship election as particularly significant because it is the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections, noting that the nation’s attention would be focused on the performance of election officials.
“People are looking at you as if you are the INEC Chairman. Whatever you do, it is INEC’s name they will be shouting,” he said.

Prof. Amupitan also advocated recognition and rewards for SPOs who demonstrate exceptional professionalism during the exercise.

The INEC Chairman was accompanied on the engagements by National Commissioners Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Dr. Baba Gbila, Dr. Kenneth Okeagwu, Dr. Sani Adams (SAN), Sunday Ajah, Malami Tukur Yusuf and Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa, alongside the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Oluwatoyin Babalola.

INEC says it has concluded extensive preparations, including logistics, security coordination and voter education, for the August 15 governorship election in which over 2.3 million registered voters are expected to participate.