By Gabriel Ameh
National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has commissioned the newly constructed Osun Decides Media Studio and a Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) Storage Facility in Osogbo as part of the Commission’s preparations for the August 15, 2026, Osun State Governorship Election.
The projects were inaugurated during the INEC Chairman’s working visit to the Osun State office of the Commission on Tuesday.
Prof. Amupitan described the facilities as strategic investments designed to strengthen the Commission’s operational capacity, improve election management, and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
The visit followed a courtesy call on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, after which the INEC Chairman met with Electoral Officers and members of staff across the state.
During the meeting, he unveiled a new performance-based staff welfare initiative that will reward outstanding personnel with cash incentives and foreign training opportunities for exceptional performance during the governorship election.
According to him, the initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to motivating its workforce while promoting professionalism, integrity and excellence in election administration.
Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s determination to conduct a free, fair, credible and conclusive governorship election in Osun State, noting that the Commission had successfully conducted elections in Anambra State, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti State, as well as several bye-elections over the past nine months without major disputes.
He disclosed that the Commission is collaborating closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and the National Peace Committee to ensure the safety of election personnel, voters, observers and sensitive electoral materials throughout the election period.
The INEC Chairman also stressed the importance of adequate and sustainable funding for elections, noting that the cost of conducting credible polls continues to rise.
He further cautioned political actors, the media and the public against the spread of misinformation and disinformation capable of undermining the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
National Commissioner supervising Osun State, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, commended the Chairman for prioritising staff welfare and expressed confidence in the Commission’s readiness to conduct a successful governorship election.
Similarly, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barrister Oluwatoyin Babalola, assured the INEC Chairman that the state office had concluded necessary preparations and remained fully committed to delivering a transparent, inclusive, peaceful and credible election.
As preparations intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship poll, Prof. Amupitan is expected to continue consultations with security agencies and other critical stakeholders to ensure a seamless electoral process across Osun State.
