Osun Election Tensions: INEC Warns Against Rigging Amidst Calls for Peace and Divine Wrath

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is taking rigorous steps to ensure a credible, transparent, and violence-free governorship election in Osun State scheduled for August 15. Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of INEC, has personally issued stern directives and engaged various stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, especially as this election marks the last major off-cycle poll before the 2027 general elections.

During a working visit to Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) undergoing training at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo, Prof. Amupitan underscored the critical role of their professionalism and integrity in guaranteeing the election's credibility. He instructed SPOs to ensure the prompt deployment of election materials, emphasizing that all materials must be at the polling units by 7:30 a.m. at the latest for voting to commence by 8:30 a.m. He firmly warned against any delay, diversion, or installment distribution of materials, and cautioned officers to resist all attempts by politicians to compromise the election. Representing the Commission at their respective polling units, SPOs were reminded that their conduct would significantly shape public perception, and they must strictly adhere to the official INEC manual, disregarding any outside directives.

Prof. Amupitan reiterated INEC's unwavering commitment to preventing violence, declaring that “the blood of any Osun citizen is not worth shedding” for political office. To achieve this, the commission has engaged high-level security apparatus, including the police, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs, to ensure special security deployment to the state. He also warned the public against the proliferation of fake videos aimed at discouraging voters and urged citizens to disregard misinformation. A peace accord, signed by all governorship candidates on Thursday, further solidifies the commitment to ensuring that the election outcome is decided by the will of the people of Osun State, not by force.

In terms of logistics and voter preparedness, INEC has implemented additional measures to strengthen logistics, security, and result management. A mock accreditation exercise was scheduled to hold in selected local governments across the three senatorial districts, including Osogbo, to test INEC equipment prior to the poll. With over 2.3 million registered voters in Osun State, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has also been extended to maximize participation. The 2027 general elections, comprising presidential and National Assembly polls, are slated to begin on January 16, 2027, positioning the Osun election as a crucial precursor.

Adding a spiritual dimension to the political landscape, Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, declared Governor Ademola Adeleke as God’s choice for the forthcoming election. In a statement, Primate Ayodele warned that any attempt to rig Governor Adeleke out of office would incur divine wrath, asserting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate was not divinely favored and could only win through electoral manipulation, which he warned would have grave consequences for the state and the party. He maintained that Governor Adeleke would secure victory if the process remained free, fair, and credible, emphasizing Adeleke's significant influence in Osun State.

Both the INEC Chairman and Primate Ayodele appealed for peace and neutrality. Prof. Amupitan urged for an election free from rancor and complaints, even suggesting that well-performing SPOs should be rewarded. Similarly, Primate Ayodele called on security officials to remain neutral, highlighting the volatile atmosphere and the potential for a single spark to cause widespread destruction. During a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, HRM Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Prof. Amupitan reiterated INEC's commitment, receiving a charge from the Ataoja to deliver an election reflecting the true will of the people. The palace pledged to continue sensitizing residents on peaceful conduct, a sentiment echoed by the Asiwaju of Osogbo, Hon. Justice Moshood Adeigbe, who commended INEC and security agencies.

Prof. Amupitan's entourage included several INEC National Commissioners: Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Dr. Baba Gbila, Dr. Kenneth Okeagu, Dr. Sani Adams (SAN), Sunday Ajah, Malami Tukur Yusuf, and Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa, alongside the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, and other senior management staff, underscoring the high-level focus on this pivotal election.