The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Thursday led a high-powered delegation to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, to seek the support of traditional institutions ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
The visit formed part of INEC's ongoing voter advocacy and stakeholder engagement campaign aimed at promoting peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in the state.
The delegation, comprising National Commissioners, Directors, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and technical aides, arrived through Akure Airport, where they were received by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, alongside the REC for Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, before proceeding to the Ooni's Palace in Ile-Ife.
Addressing the Ooni and other traditional rulers, Prof. Amupitan expressed appreciation for the enduring role of traditional institutions in fostering peace, unity, and democratic values across the country.
He described the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II as a highly respected custodian of Yoruba culture and heritage, noting that the Commission considered it a privilege to seek the monarch's royal blessings and support ahead of the governorship election.
The INEC Chairman reminded the royal fathers that the Osun Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026, while also unveiling the timetable for the 2027 General Election.
According to him, the 2027 elections will commence with the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday, January 16, 2027, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Prof. Amupitan explained that although the visit had been planned long ago, it was delayed due to the Commission's electoral commitments in other parts of the country. He noted that the engagement underscores INEC's determination to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process through continuous collaboration with key stakeholders.
He further commended the democratic maturity of the people of Osun State, expressing optimism that the forthcoming governorship election would be peaceful, credible, and serve as a crucial dress rehearsal for the 2027 General Election.
The visit highlights INEC's commitment to partnering with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to ensure a violence-free electoral process and encourage greater public participation in the state's democratic exercise.
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