INEC wraps up Osun election monitoring, looks ahead to 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially closed its Situation Room after the Osun State governorship election that took place on August 15. The results were declared in the early hours of Sunday.

INEC shared this news in a statement on its official X handle on Sunday.

Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, who is the INEC Chairman, spoke to the staff at the Situation Room. He praised them for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism during the election period.

“He praised staff at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State and Local Government offices, and personnel in the field. He gave special mention to those who worked at the polling units and the technical teams.

“He recognized the long hours staff put in and noted that many spent less time with their families and worked under tough conditions to ensure the election was successful and the process remained honest,” the statement said.

Amupitan also credited the peaceful atmosphere during the election to the grace and protection of God.

He called the Osun election “a milestone, not a destination.” He emphasized that the lessons learned must guide the commission as it prepares for the 2027 general election.

He urged staff to stay alert, maintain transparency, professionalism, and strict neutrality in their duties.

“Let us learn from our experience, improve our strategies and face the upcoming national task with fresh energy and complete neutrality. Let us stay committed to our duty, knowing that we are the protectors of our nation’s democracy,” he said.

Amupitan also encouraged staff to remain dedicated to the commission and understand its importance in supporting Nigeria’s democracy.

Following this, the commission announced the closure of the Osun Situation Room, ending its central monitoring and oversight for the governorship election.

Earlier, the State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, announced that the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke, won the election at around 7:24 am on Sunday.

Adeleke received 511,067 votes, defeating his main opponent, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who got 444,815 votes.

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