INEC Chairman Says Electoral Body Has No Preferred Candidate for Osun 2026 Governorship Election

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, has assured stakeholders ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State that the commission has no preferred candidate or political allegiance to any party or individual. Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting in Osogbo on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Amupitan declared that INEC's sole loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

The INEC chairman emphasised that the commission would remain a neutral umpire and conduct a credible election, urging residents not to be deterred by reports of violence. "The Independent National Electoral Commission has no preferred candidate, holds no political allegiance, and seeks no outcome other than the lawful choice of the electorate," Amupitan stated. He added that democracy can only thrive when citizens exercise their constitutional right to vote, describing voter apathy as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria's democratic progress. "Apathy is the silent killer of democratic progress, and we must confront it head-on. The finest technology and the best-secured polling units mean little if they remain empty," he said.

Amupitan appealed directly to the people of Osun, urging them not to allow fear, apathy or misinformation to keep them away from the polls. "Do not allow fear, apathy, or misinformation to silence your voice. Turn out peacefully on Saturday, 15th August 2026, vote your conscience, and trust that this Commission will protect the sanctity of every valid ballot," he said. The INEC chairman also made a strong commitment to voter safety: "Our commitment is simple: no citizen should have to choose between their safety and their right to vote".

Addressing the security situation, Amupitan warned political parties and candidates to uphold the Peace Accord, cautioning that "rhetoric that incites violence or the deployment of political thugs will be met with decisive state force". He also appealed to accredited journalists to report the election professionally and urged domestic and international observer groups to carry out their responsibilities objectively. On the commission's operational readiness, Amupitan disclosed that the certified register for the election contains 2,339,233 registered voters across 30 local government areas, 332 registration areas and 3,763 polling units, with 14 political parties participating in the governorship contest. He also announced that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards had been extended until Friday, July 31, after 322,822 newly registered voters, representing 62 per cent, collected their cards before the earlier deadline.

The INEC chairman further revealed that 4,427 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, including 664 backup units, had been customised for the election, stressing that biometric verification remains the only legal means of accreditation. He assured that polling unit results would be uploaded directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) and that the commission had partnered with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and other relevant agencies to combat vote-buying.

Earlier, Amupitan had visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, alongside INEC National Commissioners and the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner to officially brief the monarch about the forthcoming election and seek royal blessings. He described the Osun election as the most consequential off-cycle poll because it will serve as a mirror for the 2027 general elections. The Ooni of Ife, who received the INEC chairman in the company of other traditional rulers, declared that political tension in the state is unbearable and worrisome ahead of the election, urging politicians to prioritise peace and fairness. "The political tension is so much and it is becoming unbearable and really worrisome. We do not want to rock the boat. We want elections to come very freely and very fairly and very justly," the monarch said. The Ooni appealed to the commission to act as an impartial umpire, stating: "You are the umpire to douse the tension. You are the umpire to bring it down and make sure everything is right".

As the August 15 election draws closer, Amupitan's assurance of neutrality and his call for mass voter participation underscore the commission's determination to deliver a credible electoral process. He concluded his address with a rallying call: "Let the streets of Osun State lead to the polling units on that day. Let your voices be heard, and let your votes count".

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