INEC Chairman Urges Peace Before Osun Governorship Election

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, met with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers in Osun State on Tuesday to seek royal intervention and blessings ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Amupitan characterized the upcoming poll as a critical mirror for the 2027 general elections and expressed concern over the regional security situation.

During the meeting, Amupitan urged monarchs to persuade political actors to maintain peace, stating that the blood of innocent people is not worth the election. He assured the leaders that the Commission would utilize the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure a transparent process and rebuild public trust.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi responded by describing the current political tension in Osun as unbearable and worrisome. The Ooni of Ife called on the Commission to act as an impartial umpire to douse the tension and advised other traditional rulers to remain above partisan politics by embracing candidates from both the ruling and opposition parties to prioritize the state's well-being.