The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has assured residents of Osun State of a credible and peaceful governorship election on August 15, warning that acts of vote buying, violence and attempts to disrupt the process will be met with the full force of the law.
The assurance was given on Thursday during the signing of the Osun State Peace Accord in Osogbo, organised by the National Peace Committee. The event drew political party leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders who pledged to uphold free, fair and peaceful elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the commission was on track with preparations. According to him, seven of the nine scheduled electoral activities have been completed. Remaining tasks include the end of campaigns on August 13 and the governorship election on August 15.
He disclosed that more than 2.3 million registered voters are expected to take part. To boost turnout, INEC has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, until July 31.
On security, Amupitan said the commission is working with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, to deploy personnel based on intelligence. About 2,000 polling units have been marked as vulnerable and will get additional security cover.
“We will not allow the democratic will of the people to be subverted by fear or force,” he declared, reiterating INEC’s commitment to neutrality and transparency.
The commission will also conduct a statewide mock accreditation on August 1 to test its technology and logistics ahead of the poll.
Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who represented the National Peace Committee Chairman, former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, rtd, said the accord was not just ceremonial but a solemn pledge to peaceful conduct.
“Elections will come and go. In every election, somebody will win while others will lose. Life will continue. Therefore, all political actors must abide by both the spirit and the letter of this Peace Accord,” he said.
He urged INEC and security agencies to remain impartial, noting that credible elections depend on the professionalism of both election officials and security operatives.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Akinyele Fasuba, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the election. He said security agencies would remain neutral while enforcing law and order.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, also appealed to politicians and supporters to shun violence, vote buying and hate speech.
“Power belongs to the people. Go out peacefully, vote according to your conscience, and return home peacefully. Do not allow anyone to buy your conscience or lure you into violence,” the monarch said.
The ceremony ended with candidates and party representatives signing the Peace Accord, committing to issue-based campaigns and accepting the election results.
After the signing, Prof. Amupitan led INEC National Commissioners, directors, technical staff and the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, on an inspection tour of selected local government areas to assess the commission’s operational readiness for the August 15 governorship election.
Report by: NEWS CENTURY TV
