The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called on traditional rulers in Osun State to intervene and encourage political actors to embrace peace ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Amupitan made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, on Friday, where he stressed the important role traditional rulers can play in reducing political tension before, during and after the election.
“You are the custodian of our heritage, and your voices count a lot. Invite the principal actors and talk to them, and let them know that we are one and an election should not divide us,” he said.
The INEC chairman also announced that the commission would, for the first time, introduce downloadable and printable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State for voters whose PVCs were stolen or snatched.
According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that no eligible voter is denied the opportunity to vote because of the loss of their PVC.
“We are introducing downloadable, printable PVCs for those whose PVCs were stolen so that they will not be disenfranchised. From today, we are commencing the distribution of the downloadable PVCs,” Amupitan stated.
He assured residents that stolen PVCs would not be useful to those who took them, explaining that every voter would still undergo proper accreditation before being allowed to vote.
Speaking on the commission’s preparedness, Amupitan said INEC is putting measures in place to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
“The election is successful if it is peaceful, the logistics are right, it starts on time and ends on time, and if the result management is transparent and results are announced on time,” he said.
He acknowledged the political tension in the state but disclosed that INEC is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and other security agencies to ensure adequate security during the election.
According to him, special security deployments are being arranged to guarantee a peaceful electoral process across Osun State.
