INEC Seeks Peaceful Osun Poll, Ooni Backs Credible Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to traditional rulers in Osun State to help promote peace ahead of the August 15 governorship election describing the poll as a key test for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at his palace in Ile-Ife as part of the commission’s stakeholder engagement.

Amupitan said the visit underscored the importance of traditional institutions in fostering peaceful and credible elections.

He noted that Osun had a strong democratic culture and expressed confidence that the governorship election would serve as a credible dress rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.

He urged traditional rulers to use their influence to encourage political parties and supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and reject violence.

“Elections can only be regarded as successful when they are peaceful and the results are collated and announced transparently. We appeal to our royal fathers to continue preaching peace and impress on political actors that elections should never be a do-or-die affair,” he said.

The INEC chairman also warned against misinformation and disinformation capable of inciting violence, urging voters to ignore fake news and participate peacefully in the election.

He assured the monarch that the commission would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure credible voter accreditation and announced that a mock accreditation exercise would be held on August 1 as part of preparations for the poll.

Responding, the Ooni of Ife commended the INEC chairman and his delegation for the visit and expressed confidence in the commission’s leadership.

While acknowledging the political tension in the state, the monarch urged INEC to remain impartial and uphold fairness, justice and professionalism.

“We want the election to be peaceful. We believe you will do a professional job. Our appeal is that INEC should continue to do what is right, fair and just because our collective interest is the well-being of the people,” the Ooni said.

He also encouraged eligible voters to turn out peacefully on election day and pledged the continued support of traditional institutions in promoting credible and peaceful elections.

The visit ended with the presentation of an artwork by the Ooni to Prof. Amupitan in recognition of the partnership between Nigeria’s traditional institutions and the electoral commission.