The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has noted that preparations for the Osun governorship election also formed part of the commission’s broader plans for the 2027 general elections, describing the state as strategically important in Nigeria’s electoral calendar.

Prof Amupitan made this disclosure on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, where he appealed for the support of traditional institutions in promoting peace before, during and after the election.

According to him, “Osun is special in the democratic structure of Nigeria because it is the last major off-cycle election before the general elections. We now see it as a mirror through which we can measure our preparations for the 2027 general elections.”

He also maintained that the commission has put in place extensive measures to ensure a successful August 15 governorship election in Osun State and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, credible and transparent governorship election in the State. 

The INEC chairman said the commission had prioritised peaceful conduct, efficient logistics, timely commencement of voting, transparent result management and prompt declaration of results as critical components of the election.

According to him, “INEC had also introduced additional measures to enhance voter participation, including the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection period and the introduction of online voter registration initiatives.

“We have the responsibility and duty to do everything within our power to ensure that the election is peaceful.

“We are doing everything possible in INEC and putting a lot of measures in place, like the extension of the collection of PVCs and the introduction of online registration, to make sure the election is free, fair, inclusive and credible.”

Addressing concerns over political tension in the state, Amupitan disclosed that INEC had been working closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure adequate deployment of personnel and prevent violence during the election.

He stressed that no political contest was worth the loss of human lives, saying, “The blood of any resident of the state is not worth shedding. INEC will do everything possible to ensure the safety of voters and our staff on election day.”

The INEC chairman appealed to the Ataoja to use his influence to encourage politicians and their supporters to embrace peace, noting that the monarch’s voice carried significant weight across Osogbo and beyond.

“We appeal to the Ataoja of Osogbo to help us intervene in order to avoid further regret and the futility of fighting ourselves. Osun is a shining example to other states, but what will they learn if there is violence and bloodshed? INEC is committed to ensuring that a peaceful election is achieved and that the people of the state freely choose their preferred candidate on 15 August,” he added.

Amupitan expressed concern that election-related violence could discourage voter turnout, warning that attempts to intimidate the electorate would undermine democratic participation.

Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, welcomed the INEC chairman and called for a peaceful, free and fair governorship election across Osun State. 

Oba Oyetunji thanked the commission’s leadership for the visit and prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance in carrying out its constitutional responsibility.

Earlier, retired Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, described the assignment before the new INEC chairman as significant, particularly because of the importance of the forthcoming Osun governorship election. 

Justice Adeigbe also assured the INEC chairman that the Ataoja’s palace would continue to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage political stakeholders to embrace dialogue despite prevailing security concerns. 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Lagos State has announced that the public display of Form EC9, containing the personal particulars of candidates contesting the 2027 presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives elections, will commence on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Lagos State, Mrs Esther Emeh, who said the exercise is being conducted in line with Section 29 of the Electoral Act 2022.

According to the commission, the display will take place at the INEC Lagos State Office in Sabo-Yaba, as well as at the commission’s Local Government Area offices within the constituencies where the candidates are seeking election.

INEC explained that Form EC9 contains the credentials, personal information and sworn affidavits submitted by candidates nominated by their respective political parties.

The commission called on registered political parties, candidates, election stakeholders and members of the public to take advantage of the exercise by inspecting the documents during the display period.

It further stated that anyone who believes a candidate submitted false information or forged documents has the right to challenge such submissions through the legal process as stipulated in the Electoral Act.

INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency throughout the electoral process and reaffirmed its resolve to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

The Nigeria Police Force has deployed a new Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, to Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, replacing CP Ibrahim Gotan.

Confirming the development on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said Erale had been posted to oversee security arrangements for the election.

Although the police did not officially state the reason for Gotan’s redeployment, the move follows months of criticism from the Osun State Government, political actors and civil society groups over allegations of bias in handling politically sensitive cases.

Gotan’s reassignment came barely 24 hours after the release of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, who was arrested alongside five others during a raid on his residence over allegations of vote-buying and harbouring a wanted suspect.

The operation sparked strong reactions from the state government and the ruling Accord Party, which accused security agencies of intimidating government officials ahead of the poll.