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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially closed its Situation Room following the successful conclusion of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, signalling the end of its central election monitoring operations and the beginning of preparations for the 2027 general election.
The commission announced the closure in a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, shortly after the declaration of the governorship election results.
Addressing staff at the Situation Room, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, praised officials for their commitment, professionalism and sacrifices throughout the electoral process.
He commended personnel at the commission's headquarters, Osun State office and local government offices, as well as ad hoc officials and technical teams deployed across the state for ensuring the smooth conduct of the election.
According to the chairman, many officials worked long hours under demanding conditions and made personal sacrifices to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
Amupitan also expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the election.
He described the Osun governorship poll as a significant milestone for the commission, stressing that the experience gained would serve as a foundation for improved preparations ahead of the 2027 general election.
The INEC chairman urged staff to remain committed to the principles of transparency, professionalism and strict neutrality in the discharge of their duties.
He charged election officials to build on the lessons learnt from the Osun exercise by refining operational strategies and strengthening public confidence in future elections.
"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," Amupitan said.
He further encouraged members of staff to remain dedicated to the commission's mandate of protecting and deepening Nigeria's democratic process.
Following his remarks, the commission formally declared the Osun Election Situation Room closed, ending its real-time coordination and oversight activities for the governorship poll.
Earlier on Sunday, the State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, declared the Accord Party candidate and incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, winner of the election.
Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
The governor also won 19 of the state's 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji emerged victorious in the remaining 11 councils.
