Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has given the assurance that, “ballot and not bullet” will decide Osun poll.
Amupitan gave the assurance during a visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye II. At the Palace, the INEC Chief sought the support of traditional institutions in bolstering peaceful participation in the election.
The Osun State Governorship Election is scheduled to take place on 15 August, 2026 with the Commission expressing its readiness for the exercise.
According to the Commission: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the August 15 Osun State governorship election, assuring residents that “the ballot, not the bullet,” will determine the state’s next governor as it continued its statewide readiness assessment.”
Hon. Justice Kayode Adebiyigbe, speaking on behalf of the Palace, hailed INEC for its move in providing “level playing field ” for all the candidates, and pleaded with residents to maintain peace during the period of election.
Also, Adebiyigbe pledged the palace’s continued prayers and support for a peaceful, credible and widely accepted election.
According to INEC: “Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN described the visit as part of INEC’s institutional responsibility to brief traditional rulers on preparations for the off-cycle governorship election and solicit their support in mobilising citizens for peaceful participation.
“”The election will only be successful if it is peaceful, voting starts and ends on time, and results are announced promptly,” he said.”
Amupitan revealed, more security personnel will be deployed to “curb electoral violence and urged traditional rulers to use their influence to appeal to political actors and their supporters to embrace peace”.
He said, the Osun Guber Election will be a “critical test” for INEC ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
According to INEC: “He noted that the Osun governorship election would serve as a critical test for the commission ahead of future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
“The INEC chairman further disclosed that a mock accreditation exercise would be conducted in selected polling units across the state’s three senatorial districts to test the commission’s technology and operational readiness before election day.
“He warned residents against misinformation and disinformation aimed at discouraging voter participation, assuring that adequate measures had been put in place to safeguard election officials, materials and voters.
“”Ballot boxes, not bullets, will determine the future of Osun State,” he declared.”
