INEC closes Osun election situation room, prepares for 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally closed its Situation Room following the conclusion of the August 15 Osun State governorship election and the declaration of the result in the early hours of Sunday.

The commission announced this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday.

The INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, while addressing staff at the Situation Room, commended them for their dedication, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the electoral process.

“He commended staff at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State and Local Government offices, as well as personnel deployed to the field, particularly those who worked at the polling units and members of the technical teams.

“He acknowledged the long hours put in by staff, noting that many sacrificed time with their families and worked under demanding conditions to support the successful conduct of the election and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process,” the statement read.

He also attributed the peaceful atmosphere during the election to the grace and protection of Almighty God.

The INEC chairman described “the Osun election as a milestone, not a destination, stressing that the lessons and experience gained must inform the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general election.”

He urged staff to maintain vigilance, transparency, professionalism and strict neutrality in the discharge of their responsibilities.

“Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigour and absolute neutrality. Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy,” he said.

Amupitan also urged staff to remain committed to the commission and recognise its role in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.

The commission subsequently declared the Osun Situation Room closed, ending its central monitoring and oversight operations for the governorship election.

The State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, had earlier declared the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke, the winner of the election at about 7:24am on Sunday.

Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.

The governor won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.