INEC has no preferred candidate for Osun governorship poll — Amupitan

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has assured stakeholders ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State that the commission has no preferred candidate or political allegiance.

He also urged residents of the state not to be discouraged by reports of violence, assuring them that adequate security arrangements would be in place and encouraging them to turn out in large numbers to vote for candidates of their choice.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo attended by political parties, civil society organisations and other groups on Wednesday, Amupitan said INEC would remain a neutral umpire and conduct a credible election.

> “The Independent National Electoral Commission has no preferred candidate, holds no political allegiance, and seeks no outcome other than the lawful choice of the electorate. Our sole loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he said.

He noted that democracy can only thrive when citizens exercise their constitutional right to vote, describing voter apathy as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

> “Apathy is the silent killer of democratic progress, and we must confront it head-on. The finest technology and the best-secured polling units mean little if they remain empty,” he added.

Amupitan appealed directly to the people of Osun not to allow fear, apathy or misinformation to keep them away from the polls.

> “Do not allow fear, apathy or misinformation to silence your voice. Turn out peacefully on Saturday, August 15, 2026, vote your conscience, and trust that this Commission will protect the sanctity of every valid ballot.

> “Our commitment is simple: no citizen should have to choose between their safety and their right to vote.”

He also appealed to accredited journalists to report the election professionally and urged both domestic and international observer groups to carry out their responsibilities objectively.

The INEC chairman further reminded political parties and candidates to abide by the Peace Accord, warning that inflammatory rhetoric and the use of political thugs would not be tolerated.

> “Rhetoric that incites violence or the deployment of political thugs will be met with decisive state force,” he warned.

Amupitan called on all eligible voters to come out in large numbers on election day and make their voices heard through the ballot box.

> “Let the streets of Osun State lead to the polling units on that day. Let your voices be heard, and let your votes count,” he said.