The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Osun State that the August 15 governorship election will be decided through the ballot and not violence, as it intensifies preparations ahead of the poll.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), gave the assurance during a visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye II, where he sought the support of traditional institutions in promoting a peaceful electoral process.
Representing the palace, Hon. Justice Kayode Adebiyigbe commended INEC for working to provide a level playing field for all candidates and urged residents to maintain peace despite the ongoing Osun-Osogbo Festival. He also pledged the palace’s support and prayers for a credible, peaceful and widely accepted election.
Speaking during the visit, Amupitan said the engagement with traditional rulers formed part of the commission’s efforts to brief key stakeholders on preparations for the off-cycle governorship election and encourage citizens to participate peacefully.
“The election will only be successful if it is peaceful, voting starts and ends on time, and results are announced promptly,” he said.
The INEC chairman disclosed that additional security personnel would be deployed to prevent electoral violence and appealed to traditional rulers to use their influence in encouraging political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.
He added that the Osun governorship election would serve as an important test for the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
