The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, says the next governor of Osun State will emerge through votes, not violence.
Amupitan stated this on Friday during a visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji.
He assured residents that INEC, working with security agencies, is ready to conduct a peaceful, credible and transparent election on August 15.
He said: “We don’t want violence. No one should lose their life because of an election. Our job is to make sure every eligible voter can vote freely without fear or intimidation.”
The INEC boss also said protecting lives and the integrity of the election remain the Commission’s top priorities.
He disclosed that INEC had strengthened collaboration with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, to coordinate special security deployments across the state ahead of the poll.
He also cautioned residents against the circulation of fake videos and other forms of misinformation intended to discourage voter participation, urging them to disregard false narratives capable of undermining confidence in the electoral process.
According to him, the peace accord signed by political parties and their governorship candidates on Thursday underscored a collective commitment to ensuring that the outcome of the election would reflect the wishes of the electorate.
He said the Commission remains focused on creating an atmosphere in which every eligible voter could freely exercise his or her constitutional right.
He added: “As an institution we are committed to ensuring that this is achieved. And the good people of Osun State will have the opportunity to decide who governs them.”
He also announced that INEC would conduct a mock accreditation exercise in selected local government areas across the state’s three senatorial districts to test the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), logistics arrangements and other operational processes ahead of election day.
The exercise, he explained, forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to ensure the seamless deployment of technology and personnel during the governorship election.
Speaking, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, commended the Commission’s engagement with traditional institutions and urged INEC to conduct an election that truly reflects the will of the people.
He said: “I want you to ensure a free fair election in August 15th, that it is only the will of the citizens of Osun state that will prevail.That way all the people of Osun state will be happy and accept the outcome of the poll.”
The Asiwaju of Osogbo, Hon. Justice Moshood Adeigbe, described the visit as timely and appealed to residents to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election.
He also commended INEC’s engagement with stakeholders and efforts to promote peaceful participation in the electoral process.
“We know that you have brought us good news, and you want to use the palace to appeal to the citizens, particularly in Osogbo, to conduct themselves, to ensure that we have free and fair elections in Osun state.”