Arewa Youths hail INEC, Amupitan over peaceful Osun governorship election

Socio cultural group, Arewa youth consultative forum has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, for the conduct of the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, describing the poll as an important step towards strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The group also commended the people of Osun State and the security agencies for their conduct before, during and after the election, noting that their collective commitment to peace and democratic participation contributed significantly to the successful conclusion of the exercise.

In a statement signed Thursday in Abuja by its convener, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf said the Osun election demonstrated the importance of cooperation among the electoral umpire, voters, political actors and security agencies in ensuring that the will of the people is respected.

The group particularly praised Prof. Amupitan for providing leadership at a critical moment in Nigeria’s electoral development, noting that INEC had consistently emphasised neutrality, transparency, security and strict adherence to the Electoral Act in its preparations for the Osun poll. INEC had earlier assured stakeholders that the Osun result would reflect the will of the people and that the Commission was prepared to conduct a credible and inclusive election.

“The Action Peoples Party commends Prof. Joash Amupitan and the entire leadership of INEC for the professionalism demonstrated in the Osun governorship election. We equally commend the people of Osun State who came out to exercise their democratic rights and the security agencies whose efforts helped to maintain order and stability,” the group said.

They said the peaceful participation of voters was particularly commendable, stressing that democracy can only thrive when citizens are given the opportunity to freely express their choices without intimidation or violence.

The group added that the conduct of the election should serve as a foundation for further improvements ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging INEC and other stakeholders to sustain the momentum and address any shortcomings identified during the exercise.

The group’s commendation comes as the 2026 Osun governorship election concluded with INEC declaring incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party the winner after securing victory in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas.