INEC Shuts Down Osun Polls Monitoring Hub, Shifts Focus to 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially shut down its Situation Room, marking the end of its operations for the Osun State governorship election held on August 15, and the subsequent declaration of the result in the early hours of Sunday.

n

This development was announced by the commission through a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, formally closing the chapter on the election.

n

INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the staff for their unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism throughout the electoral process, addressing them at the Situation Room.

n

He specifically commended the staff at the commission's headquarters, as well as those in Osun State and Local Government offices, and personnel deployed to the field, including those who worked tirelessly at the polling units and members of the technical teams.

n

Prof Amupitan acknowledged the immense sacrifice made by staff, including the long hours worked and time spent away from their families, all under demanding conditions, to ensure the successful conduct of the election and safeguard its integrity.

n

The INEC chairman attributed the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during the election to the divine intervention of Almighty God, underscoring the importance of faith in the process.

n

Describing the Osun election as "a milestone, not a destination", Prof Amupitan emphasized that the lessons learned and experience gained must inform the commission's preparations for the 2027 general election.

n

He urged staff to remain vigilant, transparent, professional, and neutral in the discharge of their duties, and to approach the upcoming national task with renewed energy and absolute neutrality.

n

Prof Amupitan encouraged staff to draw valuable lessons from their experience, refine their strategies, and remain steadfast in their duty as gatekeepers of Nigeria's democracy.

n

He also reminded staff of the need to remain committed to the commission and recognize its pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria's democracy, emphasizing the importance of their work.

n

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

n

Prior to this, the State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, had declared the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke, the winner of the election at approximately 7:24am on Sunday.

n

Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who garnered 444,815 votes.

n

The governor emerged victorious in 19 out of the state's 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won in 11 local government areas.