INEC Chairman Vows Violence-Free Osun Election 2026

On August 15, 2026, Osun State will hold its governorship election, and Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has committed to ensuring it is violence-free. During a visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, HRM Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Amupitan stated that “the blood of any Osun citizen is not worth shedding” for political office.

He has coordinated with the police, the Minister of Defence, and military leaders for special security measures. Amupitan warned against the dissemination of fake videos that could deter voter participation and emphasized that the peace accord signed by all candidates aims to ensure that the election outcome reflects the people's will.

A mock accreditation exercise is scheduled for Saturday in selected local governments to test INEC's equipment. With over 2.3 million registered voters in Osun, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has been extended.

The 2027 general elections will begin on January 16, 2027, making the Osun election the last major off-cycle poll before then.