INEC Strengthens Security Plans for Osun Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that thorough risk assessment in Osun election and close cooperation with security agencies remain key to ensuring a peaceful governorship poll in Osun State scheduled for August 15.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, explained that the Commission has already completed security reviews across all 30 local government areas. She added that the findings have been shared with security agencies to guide operational planning ahead of the vote.

The meeting was organised by the Deputy Inspector General of Police for the South-West, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, and brought together security chiefs, electoral officers, religious leaders, and media representatives. The Osun State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, also attended.

Babalola said INEC has now entered what it calls the “amber zone” of election security planning in Nigeria, with staff undergoing specialised risk management training. According to her, field officers have been deployed to conduct ground checks across communities in preparation for election day.

She disclosed that 385 security flashpoints in Osun State election have been identified, alongside about 200 hard-to-reach locations that may require special logistical arrangements. These findings, she noted, have already been forwarded to security agencies to strengthen planning.

The REC also said she has visited 29 local government areas, including Ila and Ifedayo, where past kidnapping cases were recorded. She assured that security agencies have pledged adequate protection before, during, and after the election.

On logistics, Babalola stated that about 75 per cent of election materials have already arrived, while non-sensitive materials have been distributed to designated areas. She stressed that voter turnout depends heavily on a safe environment, warning that insecurity could undermine even the best preparations.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible governorship election in Osun State, as Governor Ademola Adeleke seeks re-election against contenders such as Bola Oyebamiji (APC) and Dr Najeem Salaam (ADC).