The Independent National Electoral Commission has shut down its Situation Room after concluding its central monitoring of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The commission announced the closure in a statement issued on Sunday through its official X account, shortly after the final results were declared in the early hours of the day.
Speaking to staff at the Situation Room before its closure, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, praised personnel involved in the election for their commitment, professionalism and sacrifices throughout the electoral process.
Amupitan commended workers at the commission’s headquarters, Osun State office and local government offices, as well as those deployed to polling units and technical teams across the state.
He acknowledged the demanding conditions under which many staff operated, noting that some had to sacrifice time with their families and work long hours to ensure the election was successfully conducted and the integrity of the process protected.
The INEC chairman also attributed the peaceful conduct of the election to the grace and protection of God.
He described the Osun governorship election as a “milestone, not a destination,” urging the commission to draw lessons from the exercise as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan called on INEC personnel to remain vigilant and uphold transparency, professionalism and strict neutrality in carrying out their responsibilities.
“Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigour and absolute neutrality. Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy,” he said.
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He further urged staff to remain committed to the commission’s mandate and recognise their responsibility in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The closure of the Situation Room formally brought INEC’s central monitoring and oversight operations for the Osun election to an end.
Earlier, the State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, declared Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party winner of the election at about 7:24am on Sunday.
Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.
The incumbent governor won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji prevailed in 11.
