INEC seeks peaceful Osun poll, says ballot will determine winner
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up preparations for the Aug. 15 governorship election in Osun State, assuring residents that the outcome of the poll will be decided by ballots and not violence.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance on Friday during a visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, where he sought the support of traditional rulers in promoting peaceful participation in the election.
Amupitan said the commission was engaging traditional institutions as part of its preparations for the off-cycle poll, urging royal fathers to prevail on political actors and their supporters to embrace peace.
“The election will only be successful if it is peaceful, voting starts and ends on time, and results are announced promptly,” he said, adding that additional security personnel would be deployed to curb electoral violence.
He disclosed that a mock accreditation exercise would be conducted in selected polling units across the state’s three senatorial districts to test INEC’s technology and operational readiness ahead of election day.
The INEC chairman also warned against the spread of misinformation and disinformation capable of discouraging voter participation, assuring residents that adequate measures had been put in place to protect election officials, materials and voters.
“Ballot boxes, not bullets, will determine the future of Osun State,” he declared, noting that the election would serve as an important test for the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the palace, retired Justice Kayode Adebiyigbe commended INEC for its efforts to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and urged residents to maintain peace despite the ongoing Osun-Osogbo Festival.
