The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially closed its Situation Room following the conclusion of the August 15 Osun State governorship election and the declaration of the result in the early hours of Sunday.
The commission confirmed this in a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, while addressing officials at the Situation Room, praised them for their dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism throughout the election process.
“He commended staff at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State, and local government offices, as well as personnel deployed to the field, particularly those who worked at the polling units and members of the technical teams.
“He acknowledged the long hours put in by staff, noting that many sacrificed time with their families and worked under demanding conditions to support the successful conduct of the election and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process,” the statement read.
He also attributed the peaceful atmosphere during the election to the grace and protection of God.
The INEC chairman described “the Osun election as a milestone, not a destination, stressing that the lessons and experience gained must inform the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general election.”
He called on staff to maintain vigilance, transparency, professionalism, and strict neutrality in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies, and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigor and absolute neutrality. Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy,” he said.
Amupitan also asked employees to be dedicated to the commission and recognize its importance in preserving Nigeria’s democracy.
The commission then declared the Osun Situation Room closed, thereby halting its core monitoring and control functions for the governorship election.
At 7:24 a.m. on Sunday, the state returning officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, pronounced Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party the victor of the election.
Adeleke received 511,067 votes, defeating his nearest competitor, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who received 444,815 votes.
The governor won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, with Oyebamiji winning 11.
