The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has directed Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) to ensure the prompt deployment of election materials and resist any attempt by politicians to compromise the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Prof. Amupitan gave the directive on Friday during a working visit to SPOs undergoing training at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo.
He told the officers that the credibility of the election depends largely on their professionalism and integrity.
“Election must start by 8:30 a.m. Ensure that you and the materials are at the polling units by 7:30 a.m. at the latest so voting can commence on time,” he said.
“There should be no delay in the deployment of materials on your part, no diversion of materials, and please don’t allow politicians to use you.”
The INEC Chairman reminded the SPOs that they represent the Commission at the polling units and that their conduct will shape public perception.
“What you are doing is service to the nation. For Nigerians to appreciate you, you must ensure polls start early and that you strictly follow the rules. Materials must not be delayed, diverted, or distributed in instalments. Everything must be done in accordance with the guidelines,” he added.
Prof. Amupitan urged them to disregard any directive outside the official INEC manual.
“I am here with some of our National Commissioners and senior officials. Follow whatever instructions you are given from the books. Whatever is outside the books, don’t do it,” he said.
He noted that Osun is a “special state” because the August 15 poll is the last off-cycle election before the 2027 general elections.
“The eyes of everybody are on you as you go to your various Registration Areas (RAs) to perform your duties. People will look at you as if you are the INEC Chairman, but you are not even a staff member of INEC. Whatever you do, it is INEC’s name they will mention,” he said.
The Chairman also called for peace during the exercise and suggested that outstanding SPOs should be rewarded.
“Please ensure the election is peaceful, without rancour or complaints. I think we should also reward SPOs who perform well,” he said.
Prof. Amupitan was accompanied by INEC National Commissioners: Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Dr. Baba Gbila, Dr. Kenneth Okeagu, Dr. Sani Adams (SAN), Sunday Ajah, Malami Tukur Yusuf, and Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa.
Also present were the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, and other senior management staff.
With over 2.3 million registered voters expected, INEC said it has put additional measures in place to strengthen logistics, security, and result management for the Au
gust 15 governorship election.
