The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally closed its #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room following the successful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election and the declaration of the results in the early hours of Sunday.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the closure while addressing staff at the Situation Room, commending them for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifices throughout the electoral process.
Prof. Amupitan appreciated staff at the Commission’s headquarters, Osun State and Local Government offices, as well as personnel deployed to polling units and members of the technical teams for their contributions to the successful conduct of the election.
He acknowledged the long hours put in by the personnel, noting that many had sacrificed valuable time with their families while working under challenging conditions to ensure the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
The Chairman also attributed the peaceful atmosphere during the election to the grace and protection of Almighty God.
According to him, the Osun governorship election should be regarded as a milestone rather than a destination, stressing that lessons learnt from the exercise would be critical to the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 General Election.
He urged INEC staff to maintain a high level of vigilance, transparency and professionalism, while ensuring strict neutrality in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Prof. Amupitan further called on the staff to remain committed to the Commission’s mandate and recognise its crucial role in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
He said the Commission must learn from its experience, refine its strategies and approach the 2027 electoral assignment with renewed commitment and absolute neutrality.
The INEC Chairman thereafter formally declared the #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room closed, bringing to an end the Commission’s central monitoring and oversight operations for the Osun State Governorship Election.