Osun Election: INEC Chairman Amupitan Declares Situation Room Closed

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, SAN, has formally declared the Osun 2026 Situation Room closed, bringing to an end the Commission’s central monitoring and oversight operations for the Osun State Governorship Election.

Amupitan explained that the closure followed the “successful conclusion” of the election and the declaration of the election result in the early hours of Sunday, 16 August 2026.

Addressing workers at the situation room, according to a post by INEC on its official X handle, the chairman expressed profound appreciation for their dedication, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the electoral process.

He commended staff at the Commission’s headquarters, Osun State and local government offices, as well as personnel deployed to the field, particularly those who worked at the polling units and members of the technical teams.

The professor acknowledged the long hours put in by staff, noting that many sacrificed time with their families and worked under demanding conditions to support the successful conduct of the election and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

He also attributed the “peaceful atmosphere” that prevailed during the election to the “grace and protection of Almighty God”.

Amupitan described the Osun election as a milestone, not a destination, stressing that the lessons and experience gained must inform the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 General Election.

He urged staff to sustain a higher level of vigilance, transparency, professionalism and commitment, while maintaining strict neutrality in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He further called on staff to remain committed to the Commission and to recognise the important role INEC plays 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 was quoted as saying.

INEC declared Ademola Adeleke the winner of the Osun State governorship election on Sunday morning.

The Returning Officer, Joshua Ogunwole, disclosed that the governor secured 511,067 votes while his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 444,815 votes.

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.

The election featured candidates from 15 political parties.

A total of 1,005,800 votes were cast across the 30 local government areas of Osun State, with 985,079 votes recorded as valid, while INEC said 1,010,684 voters were accredited for the election.