The Independent National Electoral Commission has shut down its Situation Room following the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday.
The closure came after the commission announced the final result of the election in the early hours of Sunday, with the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, emerging victorious.
Speaking to staff at the Situation Room before its closure, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, commended officials for their commitment and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
Amupitan praised staff at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State and local government offices, as well as those deployed to polling units and technical operations.
He said the successful conduct of the election was made possible by the sacrifices of many personnel who worked for extended hours despite the demands placed on them.
According to him, “the Osun election is a milestone, not a destination,” stressing that the experience gathered during the exercise would be useful in preparing for the 2027 general election.
The INEC chairman also urged staff to remain vigilant and uphold transparency, professionalism and political neutrality in carrying out their responsibilities.
“Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigour and absolute neutrality,” Amupitan said.
He added, “Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy.”
Amupitan also attributed the peaceful conduct of the election to the grace and protection of God, while urging commission officials to remain committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
The closure of the Situation Room marked the end of INEC’s central monitoring and oversight activities for the Osun governorship election.
The State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, had earlier declared Adeleke of the Accord Party the winner after he secured 511,067 votes.
His closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, polled 444,815 votes.
Adeleke won in 19 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in 11.
With the Osun election concluded, INEC is now expected to incorporate lessons from the exercise into its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
