The Diocesan Bishop of Ijesa North (Anglican Communion), Rev. Isaac Oluyamo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold the integrity of the ballot and ensure that the votes of the people count in the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections.
Ekiti and Osun states are scheduled to go to the polls on July 20 and August 8, 2026, respectively.
Oluyamo made the appeal during his sermon at the 2026 thanksgiving service of the diocese, held at St. Matthew’s Church, Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, on Sunday. He urged INEC to “let the choice of the people stand” and called on the police and other security agencies to discharge their duties professionally and without partisanship.
“With the Ekiti and Osun State elections on the horizon, I appeal to the federal authorities and INEC to respect the sacredness of the ballot. Let the choice of the people stand. I further charge the police and other security agencies to strip themselves of partisanship and do their work with professionalism and the fear of God,” he said.
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Speaking on national security, Oluyamo noted that despite government efforts to curb violent crimes, abductions, banditry and other criminal activities, fear still prevails on highways across the country. While commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for steps taken to mitigate insecurity, he warned that “half-measures are no longer enough.”
“To re-instil the confidence and trust that have been eroded, the government must move from ‘mitigation’ to ‘eradication.’ Our farms must be safe, our roads must be secure, and the Nigerian child must sleep without the sound of gunfire,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Anglican bishop urged Nigerians to face the new year with courage and prayer, offering prayers for peace in Osun State and across the country. “Your journey in 2026 shall please the Lord. You shall not stagger. You shall end this year with testimonies that silence the devourer. As the Lord lives, Nigeria shall move from the drought into the garden of plenty,” he added.