The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Osun residents that the August 15 governorship election will be decided by votes—not violence—as preparations enter the final stage.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), gave the assurance during a visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye II, where he appealed to traditional rulers to encourage peaceful participation in the election.
He stressed that democracy can only thrive when elections are peaceful, transparent and credible.
“Ballot boxes, not bullets, will determine the future of Osun State,” Amupitan declared.
Representing the monarch, Justice Kayode Adebiyigbe praised INEC’s efforts to create a level playing field for all candidates and urged residents to maintain peace despite the ongoing Osun-Osogbo Festival.
He also assured the commission of the palace’s support and prayers for a peaceful and widely accepted election.
Amupitan described the visit as part of INEC’s engagement with traditional institutions ahead of the off-cycle governorship poll.
He said the commission would deploy additional security personnel across the state to prevent electoral violence and appealed to traditional rulers to use their influence to discourage politicians and supporters from causing trouble.
According to him, the Osun election will serve as an important test for INEC as it prepares for future polls, including the 2027 general election.
To ensure everything works smoothly, the commission will conduct a mock accreditation exercise in selected polling units across Osun’s three senatorial districts before election day.
The exercise is expected to test INEC’s technology, logistics and overall operational readiness.
Amupitan also cautioned residents against fake news and misinformation designed to discourage people from voting, assuring them that adequate measures had been put in place to protect voters, election officials and sensitive materials.
Following the palace visit, the INEC chairman inspected the training of Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), reminding them to follow the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines and operational manuals without compromise.
He warned against delays in delivering election materials or allowing politicians to influence their conduct.
“This is a national assignment. Do not allow politicians to influence you. Follow the rules and know your operational manual,” he told the officials.
The chairman later inspected the commission’s office in Obokun Local Government Area before meeting leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to discuss transportation arrangements for election day.
The Ataoja later presented a gift to the INEC chairman in appreciation of the visit.
