The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially closed its Situation Room following the conclusion of the August 15 Osun State governorship election and the declaration of the result early Sunday.
INEC announced the closure in a statement shared on its official X account on Sunday.
Addressing staff at the Situation Room, INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, commended personnel for their commitment, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
He praised staff at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State and local government offices, as well as field personnel, particularly those deployed to polling units and members of technical teams.
According to the commission, Amupitan acknowledged the long hours put in by staff, noting that many had sacrificed time with their families while working under challenging conditions to support the election and protect the integrity of the process.
The INEC chairman also attributed the relatively peaceful conduct of the election to the grace and protection of Almighty God.
He described the Osun election as “a milestone, not a destination,” stressing that lessons from the exercise would be crucial to the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general election.
Amupitan urged INEC personnel to remain vigilant, transparent, professional and strictly neutral in carrying out their duties.
“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.
He further urged staff to remain committed to the commission and recognise their responsibility in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system.
The commission subsequently declared the Osun Situation Room closed, bringing its central monitoring and oversight operations for the governorship election to an end.
Earlier, the State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, declared Accord Party candidate and incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke the winner at about 7:24am on Sunday.
Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
The governor won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji secured victory in 11.
