The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned politicians against actions that could lead to violence during the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15.
Amupitan, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, on Friday, said no political ambition was worth the life of any citizen.
The INEC chairman assured residents that the commission would take every necessary step to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
“We do not desire violence. The life of every Osun citizen is too valuable to be lost merely for the sake of an election for the governorship position,” Amupitan said.
He stressed that security remains a major priority for INEC, adding that the commission was working with relevant security agencies to guarantee a safe election.
According to him, INEC has partnered with the Nigeria Police Force, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and service chiefs to provide special security arrangements for the election.
Amupitan also raised concerns over the circulation of misleading videos aimed at discouraging voters from participating in the election, urging residents to disregard false information.
He explained that the peace accord recently signed by political parties was designed to ensure that the outcome of the election would be determined through the votes of the people rather than violence.
“The determination of who governs this state will not be made through violence, but rather through the will of the people of Osun State,” he said.
The INEC boss further disclosed that a mock accreditation exercise would be conducted in selected local government areas across Osun’s three senatorial districts, including Osogbo in Osun Central, to test electoral equipment ahead of the poll.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a credible election that would allow citizens to freely choose their leaders.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.