The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally closed its Situation Room following the conclusion of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election and the declaration of the final results in the early hours of Sunday, August 16.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the closure while addressing staff at the Situation Room, commending them for their dedication, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
Amupitan appreciated personnel at the Commission’s headquarters, its Osun State and local government offices, as well as officials deployed to polling units and members of the technical teams for their contributions to the conduct of the election.
He acknowledged the long hours put in by INEC personnel, noting that many had sacrificed valuable time with their families and worked under demanding conditions to support the election and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The INEC chairman also attributed the peaceful atmosphere recorded during the election to the grace and protection of Almighty God.
Amupitan described the Osun governorship election as a milestone rather than a destination, stressing that the lessons and experience gained from the exercise should guide the Commission as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
He urged INEC personnel to maintain a higher level of vigilance, transparency, professionalism and commitment, while ensuring strict neutrality in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The chairman further called on staff to remain committed to the Commission and recognise its crucial role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigour and absolute neutrality. Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy,” he said.
Amupitan thereafter formally declared the Osun 2026 Situation Room closed, bringing to an end INEC’s central monitoring and oversight operations for the governorship election.
