The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Tuesday led National Commissioners, Directors, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and his technical aides on a courtesy visit to the His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife Palace.
This is part of the Commission’s advocacy and stakeholder engagement ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
The INEC delegation, which arrived earlier at the Akure Airport, was received by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola and the REC for Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, before proceeding to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
Addressing the monarch and other traditional rulers, Prof. Amupitan conveyed the Commission’s greetings and appreciation for the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and democracy.
He described the Ooni as a revered custodian of Yoruba heritage and said it was a privilege for the Commission to visit the ancient palace to seek royal blessings ahead of the election.
The INEC Chairman formally reminded the royal fathers that the Osun State Governorship Election would hold on August 15, 2026, while also announcing that the 2027 General Election would commence with Presidential and National Assembly Elections on Saturday, 16th January 2027. followed by Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections on Saturday, 6th February 2027.
He explained that the visit, which had long been planned but delayed by electoral activities across the country, was part of INEC’s efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement and rebuild public trust in the electoral process.
Prof. Amupitan said Osun State has consistently demonstrated a strong democratic culture, expressing confidence that the forthcoming governorship election would serve as a credible dress rehearsal for the 2027 General Election.
He appealed to traditional rulers to use their influence to encourage political parties and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and shun violence.
“Elections can only be regarded as successful when they are peaceful and the results are collated and announced transparently. We appeal to our royal fathers to continue preaching peace and impress on political actors that elections should never be a do-or-die affair,” he said.
The INEC Chairman also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and disinformation capable of inciting violence, urging citizens to disregard fake news and come out to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
He assured the royal fathers that the Commission would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure credible voter accreditation and guarantee that every valid vote counts.
Prof. Amupitan further announced that a mock accreditation exercise would be conducted on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of INEC’s preparations for the governorship election.
Responding, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II the Ooni of Ife, who also serves as the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, commended the INEC Chairman and his team for the visit and expressed confidence in the Commission’s leadership.
The monarch acknowledged the prevailing political tension in Osun State but urged INEC to remain impartial and uphold the principles of fairness, justice and professionalism.
“We want the election to be peaceful. We believe you will do a professional job. Our appeal is that INEC should continue to do what is right, fair and just because our collective interest is the well-being of the people,” the Ooni said.
He encouraged eligible voters across the state to come out peacefully on election day and cast their votes, assuring the Commission of the continued support of the traditional institution in promoting peaceful elections.
As a mark of honour and appreciation, the Ooni presented an artwork gift to Prof. Amupitan on behalf of the Commission, symbolising the enduring partnership between Nigeria’s traditional institutions and the electoral body.
