The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is prioritizing comprehensive risk assessments and inter-agency cooperation to ensure a stable environment for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. Resident Electoral Commissioner Oluwatoyin Babalola confirmed at a recent stakeholders’ gathering in Osogbo that the commission has finalized security evaluations across all 30 local government areas.
Led by Deputy Inspector General of Police Adegoke Fayoade, the meeting included various security heads and community leaders. Babalola noted that INEC has entered its high-alert phase, having trained staff in risk management. The commission identified 385 security flashpoints and roughly 200 areas with difficult terrain, sharing this data with security agencies to optimize operational planning.
Despite previous reports of insecurity in regions like Ila and Ifedayo, Babalola expressed confidence in the protection promised by security services. Regarding logistics, the commission has secured 75 per cent of necessary electoral materials, with non-sensitive items already deployed. Governor Ademola Adeleke is set to face challengers, including Bola Oyebamiji of the APC and Dr. Najeem Salaam of the ADC, in a contest that hinges on maintaining a secure atmosphere to encourage voter turnout.
