The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially shut down its Osun 2026 Situation Room following the completion of the state’s governorship election and the declaration of the final results.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the closure in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, after Ademola Adeleke was declared the winner of the election.
Speaking to officials at the Situation Room, Amupitan praised INEC personnel for their commitment, professionalism and sacrifices throughout the electoral exercise.
He commended staff working at the Commission’s headquarters, the Osun State office, local government offices and various field locations, particularly those deployed to polling units and technical operations.
The INEC chairman noted that many officials worked for extended hours and made personal sacrifices, including spending less time with their families, to ensure the election was successfully conducted.
He also credited the peaceful conduct of the poll to what he described as the grace and protection of Almighty God.
According to Amupitan, the Osun election should be viewed as an important learning experience for INEC rather than an endpoint, with the lessons expected to guide preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He urged officials to maintain a high standard of vigilance, transparency and professionalism while ensuring that the Commission remains neutral in all its activities.
Amupitan also reminded staff of INEC’s responsibility as a key institution in protecting Nigeria’s democratic process.
He encouraged them to review the experience gained from the Osun election, improve their strategies and approach the next major electoral assignment with renewed dedication and impartiality.
INEC declared Governor Ademola Adeleke the winner after he secured 511,067 votes across the state.
His closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, received 444,815 votes, while the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.
Fifteen political parties participated in the election, which was conducted across all 30 local government areas of Osun State.
INEC recorded 1,010,684 accredited voters, with 1,005,800 votes cast. Of the total votes cast, 985,079 were declared valid.
