INEC flags 11 flashpoint LGAs for Osun 2026 vote

With heightened political tensions and recent violence casting a shadow over the electoral process, Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission has outlined extensive security and logistical plans for the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. The commission's chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, detailed these measures during a stakeholders forum in Osogbo on Wednesday, July 29, which was itself marred by partisan disruptions.

Professor Amupitan assured stakeholders that INEC is logistically, technologically, and operationally prepared to conduct a credible election in line with the Electoral Act. He confirmed that 2,339,233 registered voters across 30 local government areas are eligible to participate, with 14 political parties contesting. The commission has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards until July 31 to prevent disenfranchisement.

A central focus of the preparations is security. INEC has integrated an Electoral Risk Management framework into its planning and identified 11 local government areas as potential flashpoints. These include Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Ife Central, Ifedayo, Ila,...