INEC closes Osun election situation room, prepares for 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally concluded its central monitoring and oversight operations for the Osun State governorship election by closing its Situation Room. The commission announced the closure on Sunday, following the declaration of the election results in the early hours of the same day.

“

He commended staff at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State and Local Government offices, as well as personnel deployed to the field, particularly those who worked at the polling units and members of the technical teams.

INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, addressed the staff, commending their dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism throughout the electoral process. He acknowledged the long hours and demanding conditions faced by personnel at headquarters, state and local government offices, and polling units. "He commended staff at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State and Local Government offices, as well as personnel deployed to the field, particularly those who worked at the polling units and members of the technical teams," the statement read.

“

He acknowledged the long hours put in by staff, noting that many sacrificed time with their families and worked under demanding conditions to support the successful conduct of the election and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Prof Amupitan described the Osun election as a "milestone, not a destination," emphasizing that the lessons learned and experiences gained are crucial for the commission's preparations for the 2027 general election. He urged staff to maintain vigilance, transparency, professionalism, and strict neutrality in their duties, stating, "Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy."

“

the Osun election as a milestone, not a destination, stressing that the lessons and experience gained must inform the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general election.

The election's State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, had previously declared Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party the winner. Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, defeating his closest rival, the All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who garnered 444,815 votes. Adeleke won in 19 of the state's 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in 11.

“

Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy.