Protest Disrupts INEC Stakeholders’ Meeting Ahead of Osun Guber Poll

A stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State was briefly disrupted on Wednesday as protesters stormed the venue, demanding a credible and peaceful governorship election scheduled for August 15.

The protest began shortly after the arrival of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, delaying proceedings for about 30 minutes. Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “One man, one vote,” “INEC give us free election,” and “BVAS must work.”

Although peaceful, the protest highlighted growing tension in the state, which has witnessed violence in recent weeks.

The introduction of Osun State Commissioner of Police, Gotan Ibrahim, drew mixed reactions.

While supporters of one political party gave him a standing ovation, representatives of other parties booed loudly, accusing the police of bias. His remarks were largely drowned out by jeers from the crowd.

On Tuesday, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, had warned INEC about the rising political tension, describing it as “extremely unbearable” and urging stakeholders to ensure a peaceful election.

The incident shows the fragile atmosphere surrounding the Osun governorship race, with calls mounting for INEC and security agencies to guarantee transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

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