Osun 2026: INEC Assures Peaceful Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that the August 8, 2026 governorship election in Osun State will be conducted peacefully and will not degenerate into violence.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, gave the assurance on Thursday during the commission’s annual New Year prayer for 2026, held at INEC’s state office in Osogbo.

The assurance comes as INEC intensifies preparations for the forthcoming governorship election.

Agboke said the commission was making extensive arrangements ahead of the poll and cautioned against narratives suggesting that the election would be characterised by unrest.

“Stop saying Osun is going to be war; there is not going to be any war,” the REC said while addressing staff of the commission.

He warned INEC staff in the state against any form of misconduct, urging them to carry out their duties strictly in line with the law.

Agboke reminded staff of the commission’s mandate and cautioned them against allowing themselves to be used to compromise the electoral process.

“Those who have the tendency to ask you to do illegality will be dealt with, and cooperating with them will have consequences,” he said.

He disclosed that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise had been improved to detect cases of double registration, noting that the measure was aimed at strengthening the credibility of the process.

“My appeal to all of you is please let us rise up and be ready to ensure the success of the process. On that day, all the Electoral Officers will take instructions from me,” he added.

The REC commended INEC staff in Osun State for their performance, stressing that the success of the commission’s activities depended largely on their cooperation and commitment.

“We cannot work and succeed without you. Support us. Let us manage ourselves between now and August,” he said.

Agboke also stated that INEC Osun conducted its duties professionally during the period of political party primaries in the state.

He further noted that the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, was passionate about staff welfare and committed to improving working conditions across the commission.

In a separate meeting with Electoral Officers (EOs), Agboke described them as critical to the success of INEC’s operations and custodians of the commission’s activities at the local government level.

He charged the EOs to closely monitor their staff and logistics, emphasising that discipline and professionalism were essential, and noted that national attention would be on Osun State following the Ekiti governorship election.

“We expect you to take charge of your offices and re-enact the commitment of your LG staff and come up with ideas that will help you and your staff make sure we have a very peaceful poll.

“Do not allow your name to be dragged to the mud. Know that your career and age are at stake. Do not allow anybody to push you around. As executive officers, you should be able to show professionalism,” he said.