Osun Election: INEC Chairman Amupitan Declares Situation Room Closed

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, SAN, has formally declared the Osun 2026 Situation Room closed, successfully concluding the Commission’s central oversight and monitoring operations for the Osun State Governorship Election.

Amupitan noted that the closure came on the heels of the “successful conclusion” of the polls and the official declaration of the election results in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Speaking to situation room workers via a post on INEC’s official X handle, the chairman conveyed deep gratitude for their sacrifice, professionalism, and dedication throughout the electoral exercise.

He praised the tireless efforts of personnel across the headquarters, Osun State and local government offices, field workers at polling units, and technical teams.

Acknowledging the grueling hours and time away from families spent under strenuous conditions to safeguard the election’s integrity, Amupitan attributed the “peaceful atmosphere” of the election to the “grace and protection of Almighty God.”

Describing the exercise as a stepping stone rather than a final destination, the professor emphasized that lessons from Osun must shape preparations for the upcoming 2027 General Election.

He urged staff to maintain absolute neutrality, transparency, and heightened vigilance, reminding them, “Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigour and absolute neutrality. Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy.”

INEC officially declared Ademola Adeleke winner of the election on Sunday morning. According to Returning Officer Joshua Ogunwole, Adeleke garnered 511,067 votes to defeat All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes, while African Democratic Congress (ADC) flagbearer Najeem Salaam finished third with 17,180 votes.

The election involved candidates across 15 political parties, recording 1,010,684 accredited voters and 1,005,800 total votes cast across the state’s 30 local government areas, with 985,079 votes certified valid.