The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Osun State of a free, fair and peaceful governorship election on August 15, declaring that the commission will not allow fear, violence or voter inducement to determine the outcome of the poll.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), gave the assurance on Thursday in Osogbo during the signing of the Osun State Peace Accord, where political parties contesting the election pledged to conduct peaceful campaigns and accept the outcome of the exercise.
The event, organised by the National Peace Committee, brought together political party leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful, credible and violence-free elections in the state.
Amupitan warned that individuals or groups involved in vote buying, electoral violence or any attempt to disrupt the electoral process would face the full weight of the law, stressing that INEC remains committed to conducting a transparent election that reflects the will of the people.
He disclosed that seven of the nine scheduled activities in the election timetable had already been successfully completed, adding that the remaining activities include the end of political campaigns on August 13 and the governorship election on August 15.
The INEC chairman also revealed that more than 2.3 million registered voters are expected to participate in the election, noting that the commission had extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) until July 31 to enable more eligible voters to obtain their cards ahead of the poll.
He urged eligible voters who are yet to collect their PVCs to take advantage of the extension, emphasizing that the commission had made adequate preparations to ensure a credible and inclusive electoral process.
The signing of the Peace Accord is expected to strengthen confidence in the electoral process and promote peaceful conduct among political parties and their supporters as Osun State prepares for the governorship election.
