The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured residents of Osun State that the winner of the August 15, 2026 governorship election will emerge through the ballot and not through violence.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, where he reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election.
Describing the Osun governorship poll as a major test ahead of the 2027 general election, the INEC chairman stressed that the people’s votes would determine the outcome of the election.
“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,” Amupitan said.
While acknowledging the heightened political tension in the state, he assured residents that INEC is working closely with security agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
“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 stated.
Responding to the INEC chairman, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, urged the commission to uphold its responsibility by delivering a transparent and credible election.
“I appreciate you and your team for this visit. You have been doing well, and I want to urge you to please ensure a fair, free and credible election,” the monarch said.
The assurance comes as political activities continue to intensify ahead of the governorship election, with stakeholders calling for a peaceful and violence-free electoral process.
