The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified about 2,000 polling units as potential flashpoints for violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan disclosed this on Thursday in Osogbo during the signing of the peace accord by political parties contesting the election.
Amupitan said the commission had adopted a proactive security strategy through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), with intelligence-led deployments to identified flashpoints across the state.
He said additional security personnel would be deployed to safeguard voters, election officials and electoral materials during the poll.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to neutrality and transparency, the chairman warned that anyone involved in vote-buying, electoral violence or attempts to disrupt the election would face the full weight of the law.
“We will not allow the democratic will of the people to be subverted by fear or force,” he said.
Amupitan expressed confidence that the commission would deliver a peaceful and credible election, noting that seven of the nine scheduled electoral activities had already been completed.
He said the remaining activities include the end of political campaigns on August 13 and the governorship election on August 15.
The INEC chairman added that more than 2.3 million registered voters are expected to participate in the election. He also announced that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had been extended until July 31 to encourage greater voter participation.
He further disclosed that INEC would conduct a statewide mock accreditation exercise on August 1 to test its technology and logistics before the election.
Speaking at the ceremony, former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by John Onaiyekan, described the peace accord as a solemn commitment to peaceful elections rather than a mere ceremonial event.
He urged political parties and their supporters to conduct issue-based campaigns, respect the rule of law and accept the outcome of the election.
“Elections will come and go. In every election, somebody will win while others will lose. Life will continue. Therefore, all political actors must abide by both the spirit and the letter of this peace accord,” he said.
Abdulsalami also called on INEC and security agencies to remain impartial, stressing that credible elections depend on the professionalism of election officials and security personnel.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, Assistant Inspector-General Akinyele Fasuba assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been made to guarantee a peaceful, free and credible election.
The Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II also appealed to politicians and their supporters to reject violence, vote-buying and inflammatory rhetoric.
Candidates and representatives of political parties signed the peace accord, pledging to conduct issue-based campaigns and respect the outcome of the election. The event brought together political leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders committed to peaceful, free and credible elections in Osun State.
