INEC: Osun Governor Will Be Chosen by Voters 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has assured residents of Osun State that the winner of the August 15 governorship election will be determined by voters, not violence.

Amupitan said this on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, describing the election as an important test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said INEC was committed to ensuring that the people of Osun choose their governor through the ballot, rather than through violence or intimidation.

The INEC chairman acknowledged the political tension in the state but said the commission was working with security agencies to ensure a peaceful election.

He said security preparations were being coordinated with the police, the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other service chiefs, including plans for special deployments to the state.

“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.

“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 said.

Amupitan described the Osun election as a mirror for the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for a credible and peaceful process.

In response, the Ataoja of Osogbo urged INEC to protect the integrity of the election by ensuring that the poll is free, fair and credible.