As preparations for the August 15, 2026 governorship election gather pace, Osun election security has received a major boost as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) identified 385 flashpoints and 200 difficult-to-access areas across the state.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed this during a security meeting chaired by the Deputy Inspector General of Police for the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, in Osogbo. Security chiefs, religious leaders, electoral officials and media representatives attended the meeting.
The meeting also had the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, in attendance as stakeholders reviewed plans to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election.
Speaking on Osun election security, Babalola said INEC completed a risk assessment across the state’s 30 local government areas and shared the findings with security agencies. The commission also trained field officers on risk management and deployed teams for further assessments.
She said INEC identified 385 flashpoints and about 200 difficult terrains that could affect election logistics. According to her, the commission has prepared its staff to work safely while maintaining peace throughout the exercise.
Babalola added that she visited 29 of the 30 local government areas, including Ila and Ifedayo, where kidnapping cases had been reported. She said security agencies assured the commission that peace would prevail before, during and after the election.
The REC also revealed that INEC has received about 75 per cent of the materials needed for the poll. She noted that non-sensitive materials have already been distributed to the required locations.
She urged security agencies to strengthen their operations and reassure residents of their safety. Babalola reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, transparent and inclusive election.
Osun voters will elect a governor on August 15. Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking a second term, while Bola Oyebamiji of the APC and Dr. Najeem Salaam of the ADC are his main challengers.
