The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has described the upcoming Osun State governorship election as a “mirror” and crucial testing ground for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an official visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, at his Enuwa Palace in Ile-Ife on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, Professor Amupitan formally announced key election dates for the country.
The off-cycle Osun governorship election is scheduled for 15 August 2026. This will be followed by the presidential and National Assembly elections on 16 January 2027, with governorship and state assembly elections taking place on 6 February 2027.
“Osun State holds a special place in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” Amupitan said, highlighting its politically conscious electorate. “We recognize that this is the most consequential off-cycle election in Nigeria… we look at the Osun election as a mirror through which we can see through the general election coming up next year.”
Restoring public trust and curbing electoral fraud
Addressing traditional leaders from across the state, the INEC chairman emphasized the commission’s commitment to rebuilding public trust through free, fair, and transparent voting processes.
He warned against the rise of digital misinformation, deepfakes, and political violence, while appealing to traditional rulers to help urge political actors to maintain peace.
Professor Amupitan confirmed that 2,339,233 registered voters across 3,763 polling units will participate in the Osun election. He stressed that the bimodal voter accreditation system (BIVAS) would be strictly deployed.
“All those issues of ballot paper stealing—if you are not accredited by BIVAS, that vote will not be counted,” he assured.
Ooni warns of ‘unbearable’ political tension
Welcoming the INEC delegation, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi—speaking as co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria—warned of heightened political friction in the state ahead of the poll.
“There is tension in Osun State right now. The political tension is getting unbearable for us,” the monarch said, noting that traditional rulers had spent hours deliberating on how to maintain stability.
Oba Ogunwusi urged the electoral chief to remain a neutral and upright umpire, calling on politicians to prioritize the peace and well-being of the electorate over partisan interests.
“Politicians don’t have permanent friends or permanent enemies; they believe in alignment at the detriment of our subjects,” the Ooni said. “Please, you are the umpire to douse the tension… Let the people decide what they want, and do not let anybody interfere.”
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