The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has appealed to traditional rulers and political actors in Osun State to prioritize peace ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, pledged support for a credible and violence-free poll.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the appeal on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife. He led National Commissioners, Directors, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and other technical aides on the engagement.
The delegation arrived earlier at Akure Airport and was received by the Resident Electoral Commissioners for Osun and Ondo States, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola and Dr. Mutiu Agboke, respectively, before proceeding to the palace.
Addressing the monarch and other traditional rulers, Prof. Amupitan described the Ooni as a revered custodian of Yoruba heritage and said the visit was part of INEC’s advocacy to deepen stakeholder engagement and rebuild public trust ahead of major elections.
He formally reminded the royal fathers that the Osun State Governorship Election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. He also announced dates for the 2027 General Election, stating that Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
“Elections can only be regarded as successful when they are peaceful and the results are collated and announced transparently. We appeal to our royal fathers to continue preaching peace and impress on political actors that elections should never be a do-or-die affair” the INEC Chairman said.
Prof. Amupitan noted that Osun has consistently demonstrated a strong democratic culture and expressed confidence that the 2026 governorship election would serve as a credible dress rehearsal for the 2027 polls.
He urged citizens to disregard misinformation and disinformation capable of inciting violence, and to come out to exercise their constitutional right to vote. He also assured the traditional institution that the Commission would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, to guarantee credible accreditation and ensure that every valid vote counts.
As part of preparations, the INEC Chairman announced that a mock accreditation exercise will be conducted on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Responding, the Ooni of Ife, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, commended INEC for the visit and expressed confidence in the Commission’s leadership.
Acknowledging the prevailing political tension in Osun, the monarch urged INEC to remain impartial and uphold fairness, justice, and professionalism.
“We want the election to be peaceful. We believe you will do a professional job. Our appeal is that INEC should continue to do what is right, fair and just because our collective interest is the well-being of the people,_” Oba Ogunwusi said.
He encouraged eligible voters across the state to turn out peacefully on election day and assured the Commission of the traditional institution’s continued support in promoting peaceful elections.
As a mark of honour, the Ooni presented an artwork gift to Prof. Amupitan on behalf of INEC, symbolizing the enduring partnership between Nigeria’s traditional institutions and the electoral body.
The visit is part of INEC’s nationwide stakeholder engagements ahead of off-cycle and general elections, aimed at securing the buy-in of traditional, religious, and community leaders in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive polls.
Report by: NEWS CENTURY TV
