OSOGBO, Nigeria — The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has assured residents of Osun State that the next governor will emerge through a free, fair and credible election, urging political parties, candidates and voters to allow the ballot, rather than violence, determine the outcome of the poll.
Yakubu gave the assurance ahead of the August 15 governorship election, stressing that the commission has concluded necessary preparations to ensure a transparent electoral process across the state.
He said INEC remains committed to conducting an election that reflects the genuine will of the people, adding that every eligible voter would have the opportunity to cast their ballot in a peaceful environment.
The INEC chairman noted that electoral officials have been deployed and sensitive and non-sensitive materials are being distributed to ensure voting begins on schedule in all polling units across Osun State.
Yakubu also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the use of technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), to enhance transparency, strengthen voter accreditation and improve public confidence in the electoral process.
He urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid acts capable of undermining the credibility of the election. According to him, violence, vote-buying, intimidation and other electoral offences have no place in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The INEC chairman called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters, election officials and electoral materials before, during and after the election. He said all relevant agencies are working together to ensure a secure environment throughout the exercise.
Yakubu further encouraged eligible voters to come out in large numbers on election day, reminding them that their votes remain the most powerful instrument for choosing their leaders.
He stressed that the commission would remain impartial and would not favour any political party or candidate, assuring Nigerians that all contestants would be given a level playing field.
The Osun governorship election is expected to attract keen political interest, with major political parties seeking to secure victory in one of Nigeria’s key South-West states. INEC expressed confidence that with the cooperation of voters, political stakeholders and security agencies, the election would be peaceful, credible and acceptable to all parties.
