The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has commissioned a newly built Osun Decides Media Studio and a Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) Storage Facility in Osogbo as part of preparations for the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
Speaking during a working visit to the Osun State INEC office on Tuesday, Prof. Amupitan described the projects as critical investments that would enhance the Commission’s operational readiness and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
The INEC Chairman, who visited the office after paying a courtesy call on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, also met with Electoral Officers and staff, where he unveiled a performance-based staff welfare incentive that includes cash rewards and foreign travel opportunities for personnel who distinguish themselves during the election.
According to him, the initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to motivating its workforce and rewarding excellence.
Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s resolve to conduct a free, fair, credible and conclusive election in Osun, noting that the Commission had successfully conducted elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti, and several bye-elections within the past nine months without disputes.
He disclosed that INEC was working closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and the National Peace Committee to guarantee the safety of election personnel, voters and electoral materials throughout the exercise.
The Chairman also stressed the need for sustainable funding of electoral activities, noting that the cost of conducting elections continues to rise, while warning against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.
National Commissioner supervising Osun State, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, commended the Chairman’s commitment to staff welfare and expressed confidence in the preparedness of the Commission for the election.
Similarly, Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Oluwatoyin Babalola, assured the INEC Chairman that officials in the state were fully prepared to deliver a transparent, credible, inclusive and peaceful governorship election.
Prof. Amupitan is expected to continue consultations with security agencies and other stakeholders as preparations intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
