Ahead of the upcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has assured all stakeholders that the electoral body maintains zero political allegiance and has no preferred candidate.
Speaking on Wednesday during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo—which brought together political parties, civil society organizations, and security representatives—Amupitan emphasized that INEC remains a completely unbiased umpire dedicated to delivering a credible poll.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has no preferred candidate, holds no political allegiance, and seeks no outcome other than the lawful choice of the electorate, our sole loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” Amupitan stated.
Addressing concerns over potential violence and security threats, the INEC chairman urged residents not to be discouraged. He noted that robust security measures will be put in place to protect voters, tasking citizens to turn out en masse at the polling units.
Describing voter apathy as a major danger to the nation’s political evolution, Amupitan stressed that advanced technology and secure voting environments are useless if polling stations remain deserted.
“Apathy is the silent killer of democratic progress, and we must confront it head-on… the finest technology and the best-secured polling units mean little if they remain empty,” he warned.
He directly appealed to the electorate of Osun State to reject fear, misinformation, and intimidation:“Do not allow fear, apathy, or misinformation to silence your voice. Turn out peacefully on Saturday, 15th August 2026, vote your conscience, and trust that this Commission will protect the sanctity of every valid ballot. Our commitment is simple: no citizen should have to choose between their safety and their right to vote.”
The INEC boss also charged accredited journalists to uphold professional ethics in their reporting, while calling on domestic and international observer groups to execute their duties objectively and transparently.
Furthermore, he issued a stern warning to political actors and candidates to strictly abide by the signed Peace Accord.
He cautioned that any inflammatory rhetoric or use of political thugs to disrupt the peace will face decisive action from state security forces.
Amupitan concluded by encouraging the electorate to make their choices count at the ballot box, declaring, “Let the streets of Osun State lead to the polling units on that day. Let your voices be heard, and let your votes count.”
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