The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has warned ad-hoc election staff against political pressure and material diversion ahead of the 15 August Osun State governorship poll.
Speaking during an inspection visit to Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) undergoing training at the Ataoja School of Science in Osogbo on Friday, Amupitan stressed that the credibility of the election hinges on staff integrity and prompt logistics.
“Election must start by 8:30 am. Ensure that you and the materials are there by 7:30 am at the latest,” Amupitan told the officers. “No delay of materials on your part, no diversion of materials, and please don’t allow politicians to use you.”
Focus on rules and performance rewards
Accompanied by a delegation of National Commissioners and the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Oluwatoyin Babalola, the INEC boss urged training officers to follow official guidelines strictly and ignore instructions outside the authorized manual.
He noted that Osun holds strategic significance as the final off-cycle governorship election before Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, adding that public perception of the commission will depend heavily on the conduct of field officers.
Amupitan also suggested introducing incentive rewards for SPOs who demonstrate exceptional performance during the poll, which will see over 2.3 million registered voters head to the ballot across the state.
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