OSOGBO – The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has intensified preparations for the August 15 Osun State governorship election, assuring residents that “the ballot, not the bullet” will determine the state’s next governor.
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‎INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the assurance on Friday during a visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye II, as part of the commission’s statewide readiness assessment.
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‎Speaking at the palace, Prof. Amupitan said the visit was part of INEC’s institutional responsibility to brief traditional rulers on preparations for the off-cycle election and to solicit their support in mobilizing citizens for peaceful participation.
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‎”The election will only be successful if it is peaceful, voting starts and ends on time, and results are announced promptly,” he said.
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‎Responding on behalf of the palace, Hon. Justice Kayode Adebiyigbe commended INEC for its efforts to provide a level playing field for all candidates. He appealed to residents to maintain peace during the election period despite the ongoing Osun-Osogbo Festival.
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‎Justice Adebiyigbe also pledged the palace’s continued prayers and support for a peaceful, credible, and widely accepted election.
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‎The Osun-Osogbo Festival, a major cultural event in the state, is holding ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.
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“Ballot, Not Bullet, Will Decide Osun Poll,” INEC Assures as Readiness Assessment Continues
