The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has described the successful conduct of the 2026 Osun State governorship election as a milestone, not a destination, urging the commission’s personnel to draw lessons from the exercise ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amupitan spoke on Sunday while formally declaring the INEC #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room closed, following the conclusion of the election and the declaration of the result in the early hours of the day.
The INEC chairman commended the commission’s personnel for their dedication, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the electoral process, particularly those deployed to polling units, local government areas and technical operations.
He acknowledged the long hours put in by staff and the sacrifices made by many who worked under demanding conditions, saying their commitment contributed to the successful conduct of the election.
Amupitan also attributed the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during the exercise to the grace and protection of Almighty God.
Describing the Osun election as a milestone rather than an end in itself, the INEC chairman said the experience and lessons from the exercise must shape the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general election.
He urged staff to raise the bar in vigilance, transparency and professionalism while maintaining strict neutrality in the discharge of their duties.
“The Osun election is a milestone, not a destination,” Amupitan said, stressing the need for the commission to learn from the exercise and continually refine its electoral processes.
He also urged INEC personnel to remain committed to the commission and recognise their critical role 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.
The chairman expressed particular appreciation to personnel at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State and local government offices, as well as field officers and technical teams who participated in the election.
He noted that many staff members sacrificed valuable time with their families to ensure that the electoral exercise was successfully conducted.
Amupitan thereafter formally declared the #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room closed, bringing to an end INEC’s central monitoring and oversight operations for the Osun governorship election.
The closure marked the conclusion of the commission’s immediate election management operations in Osun, while attention shifts towards post-election processes and preparations for the 2027 general election.
