The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has closed its #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room after the Osun State governorship election ended with the declaration of the result in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, 2026.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, formally shut the Situation Room after staff completed their monitoring and oversight work on the election.
The closure brought an end to the commission’s central monitoring activities for the governorship poll.
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Amupitan used the occasion to thank INEC workers who took part in the election at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State office, local government offices and polling units.
He also recognised members of the technical teams who worked on the election. The chairman said many workers spent long hours on their duties and gave up time with their families under demanding conditions.
Amupitan said the work carried out by the staff helped support the conduct of the election and protect the integrity of the electoral process. He also attributed the peaceful atmosphere during the poll to the grace and protection of Almighty God.
Lessons from the Osun poll
The INEC chairman described the Osun election as a milestone, but said the experience must serve as a basis for the commission’s preparation for the 2027 General Election.
He said the lessons gained from the Osun poll should guide how INEC prepares for the national election. He also asked staff to maintain vigilance, transparency, professionalism and neutrality in carrying out their duties.
The chairman told workers that their conduct would remain important to the commission’s work as Nigeria prepares for another national election. He asked them to stay committed to INEC and recognise its place in sustaining the country’s democracy.
“Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigour and absolute neutrality. Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy,” he said.
His message placed the experience gained from the Osun election within INEC’s preparations for the 2027 General Election. The commission will use the experience of the governorship poll as part of its preparation for the national electoral task.
Staff thanked for election duties
The chairman’s appreciation covered workers who handled different parts of the election process. These included staff at the commission’s headquarters, the Osun State office, local government offices and personnel deployed to polling units.
Technical teams also received recognition for their work during the election. Amupitan acknowledged the long hours spent by workers and the personal sacrifices made during the electoral process.
Amupitan also stressed the need for strict neutrality in the discharge of electoral duties. He said professionalism and transparency should continue to guide INEC workers as they carry out their responsibilities.
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