The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has described the forthcoming Osun State governorship election as a crucial benchmark for Nigeria’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Prof. Amupitan said Osun occupies a strategic place in the country’s electoral calendar as the final major off-cycle governorship election before the next 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.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting a peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election on August 15, noting that extensive preparations have already been put in place.
According to him, INEC is prioritising efficient logistics, early commencement of voting, transparent result management and prompt declaration of results to ensure a successful poll.
He also disclosed that the commission had introduced measures aimed at increasing voter participation, including the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection period and the introduction of online voter registration.
“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 to make sure the election is free, fair, inclusive and credible,” Amupitan stated.
Addressing concerns over rising political tension in the state, the INEC chairman revealed that the commission has been working closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to guarantee adequate security before, during and after the election.
He stressed that no political contest should result in the loss of lives.
“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,” he said.
Amupitan appealed to the Ataoja of Osogbo to leverage his influence in promoting peace among political actors and their supporters, warning that violence would only undermine the state’s democratic reputation and discourage voter participation.
“We appeal to the Ataoja to help us encourage politicians and their supporters to embrace peace. Osun has remained a shining example to other states, and we must ensure the people freely choose their preferred candidate without fear or intimidation,” he added.
In his response, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, pledged his support for peaceful, free and fair elections across the state.
The monarch commended the INEC chairman for the visit and offered prayers for wisdom, strength and divine guidance as the commission prepares for the governorship poll.
Also speaking, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, retired Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, described the responsibility before the new INEC chairman as significant, given the importance of the forthcoming Osun governorship election.
He assured the commission that the Ataoja’s palace would continue to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage political stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue despite prevailing security concerns.
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