The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said on Friday that the next governor of Osun State must be chosen through votes rather than violence, as preparations continue for the governorship election scheduled for 15 August 2026.
Amupitan assured Nigerians during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, where he said INEC was working with security agencies to keep the poll peaceful because the election will serve as an important test before the 2027 general elections.
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Political activities have intensified in Osun ahead of the governorship poll, as INEC places attention on security and the credibility of the electoral process.
The commission sees the election as an important measure of its readiness before Nigerians return to the polls for the next general election.
Peaceful voting must decide the election
Amupitan said the choice of who governs Osun should rest entirely with voters and not with people who resort to violence.
“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,” he said.
He acknowledged the political tension in the state but maintained that INEC had begun working closely with security institutions to protect voters, election officials and electoral materials.
Amupitan said discussions had involved the Nigeria Police Force, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs to provide special security arrangements for Osun during the election.
“Right from Abuja, 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 said.
He also said the conduct of the Osun governorship election would provide an indication of what Nigerians should expect during the 2027 general elections.
He referred to the poll as “a mirror to the 2027 general election” and emphasised the need for a safe and reliable exercise.
As preparations continue for the August 15 governorship election, INEC maintains that its priority is to deliver a peaceful, free and credible poll where the choice of Osun’s next governor is determined solely through the votes cast by the people.
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