Osun governor will emerge through free, fair election – INEC chair

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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured residents of Osun State that the winner of the August 15 governorship election will emerge through the ballot, not violence.

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Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, describing the forthcoming election as a critical test ahead of the 2027 general elections, Vanguard reports.

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He said, “The decision of who becomes the governor should not be decided by bullet but by the will of the people through their votes. We are committed to ensuring that this is achieved, and the good people of Osun State will make the decision.”

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The INEC chairman acknowledged the heightened political tension in the state but said the electoral body was collaborating with security agencies to ensure a peaceful exercise.

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“Right from Abuja, we are working with the police, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and service chiefs to ensure special deployment for Osun State so that the election will be peaceful. We don’t want violence,” he said.

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Amupitan described the Osun governorship election as “a mirror to the 2027 general election,” stressing the importance of conducting a credible and peaceful poll.

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Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo urged INEC to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring a free, fair and credible election.

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“I appreciate you and your team for this visit. You have been doing well, and I want to urge you to please ensure a fair, free and credible election,” Oba Oyetunji said.

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