INEC chairman closes Osun election Situation Room, describes poll as milestone
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has formally closed the #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room following the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election and declaration of the results early Sunday.
Addressing staff at the Situation Room, Amupitan commended their dedication, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
He also praised staff at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State and local government offices, as well as personnel deployed to the field, particularly those who worked at polling units and members of the technical teams.
The INEC chairman acknowledged the long hours put in by the staff, noting that many sacrificed time with their families and worked under demanding conditions to support the conduct of the election and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Amupitan attributed the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during the election to the grace and protection of God, while describing the exercise as a milestone for the commission.
However, he said the milestone should not be regarded as a destination, stressing that the lessons and experience gained from the election must guide the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general election.
He urged staff to maintain a higher level of vigilance, transparency, professionalism and commitment while ensuring strict neutrality in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“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, before formally declaring the Situation Room closed, bringing the commission’s central monitoring and oversight operations for the Osun governorship election to an end.
