INEC closes Osun election situation room, prepares for 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) closed its Situation Room on Sunday following the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election held on August 15. The commission's Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, acknowledged the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism of the election staff during a statement posted on INEC's official X account.

Prof Amupitan praised the staff at the commission's headquarters, Osun State and Local Government offices, and those deployed to polling units and field operations. He acknowledged the long hours staff members worked, often sacrificing time with their families and operating under demanding conditions. The INEC chairman attributed the peaceful atmosphere during the election to the grace and protection of Almighty God, describing the Osun election as a milestone, but not a destination.

He emphasized that the lessons and experience gained must inform the commission's preparations for the 2027 general election. The State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, had earlier declared Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke, the winner of the election with 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji, with 444,815 votes.