Photo credit: Photo: INEC/X
By Chidinma Olivia Patrick
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has formally declared the #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room closed following the conclusion of the Osun State Governorship Election and the declaration of the final result in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Amupitan made the declaration while addressing staff at the Situation Room, where he expressed appreciation for their dedication, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
The INEC chairman commended personnel at the Commission’s headquarters, Osun State and Local Government offices, as well as those deployed to the field, particularly election officials who worked at polling units and members of the technical teams. He acknowledged the long hours put in by staff during the electoral process, noting that many had sacrificed time with their families while working under demanding conditions to support the conduct of the election and safeguard the integrity of the process.
Amupitan also attributed the peaceful atmosphere recorded during the election to the grace and protection of Almighty God.
Describing the Osun governorship election as a milestone rather than a destination, the INEC chairman said the lessons and experience gained from the exercise must guide the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 General Election.
He urged INEC personnel to maintain a higher level of vigilance, transparency, professionalism and commitment, while ensuring strict neutrality in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The chairman further called on staff to remain committed to the Commission and recognise the important role INEC plays in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
“Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigour and absolute neutrality. Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy,” he said.
Amupitan thereafter formally declared the #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room closed, bringing to an end the Commission’s central monitoring and oversight operations for the Osun State Governorship Election.
The closure came after the completion of collation of results from the state’s 30 Local Government Areas and the formal declaration of the winner of the election.
The Osun election is expected to provide the Commission with further operational lessons as it continues preparations for the 2027 General Election.
