Ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern directive to Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) and transport unions to maintain strict neutrality. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, communicated these orders during a preparation visit to Osogbo on Friday.
Speaking to transport union leaders, Amupitan clarified that any vehicles contracted by the commission fall under INEC’s direct supervision for the duration of the election. He emphasized that the commission expects absolute professionalism, warning that any signs of political bias among drivers or operators will be rejected. The commission expects all vehicles to be ready by noon on the eve of the election, with personnel and materials arriving at polling units by 7:30 a.m. to ensure voting begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.
To monitor progress, INEC has implemented a real-time dashboard to track the opening of the state’s 3,763 polling units. Amupitan also cautioned Supervisory Presiding Officers during their training at the Ataoja School of Science against yielding to political influence. He reminded them that this election serves as a significant precursor to the 2027 general elections and must be handled with integrity, without any unauthorized diversion or delay of materials.
Representing the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Olayioye Adesina promised that the national executive would oversee logistics to prevent any interference from internal union factions. He confirmed that all deployed vehicles will be free of political branding and that drivers have been fully briefed on electoral guidelines.
