By Shina Abubakar
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 to anyone.
He also urged residents in the State not to be deterred by the spread of violence, saying adequate security will be provided, tasking them to throng polling units en masse to cast their votes for their preferred candidates.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting including political parties, civil society organisation and others in Osogbo on Wednesday, he said the commission as an unbias umpire is neutral and would organize credible election in the state.
“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,” Amupitan mentioned.
He added 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.” He added that “the finest technology and the best-secured polling units mean little if they remain empty,” he said.
Amupitan appealed directly to the people of Osun, urging them 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, 15th August 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 mentioned.
Amupitan further appealed to accredited journalists to report the election professionally and urged domestic and international observer groups to carry out their responsibilities objectively.
He also reminded political parties and candidates to uphold the Peace Accord, warning that “rhetoric that incites violence or the deployment of political thugs will be met with decisive state force.”
He called on all eligible voters to come out in mass on election day and make their voices heard through the ballot box, saying, “let the streets of Osun State lead to the polling units on that day. Let your voices be heard, and let your votes count”.
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