Ahead of Osun Governorship Poll, INEC Identifies 385 Flashpoints, 200 Challenging Locations

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

Ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission has identified 385 flashpoints and about 200 difficult-to-access areas across the state as part of its preparations for the poll.

The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, disclosed this during a stakeholders' meeting in Osogbo, stressing that the commission had mapped out areas considered vulnerable to violence as well as communities with challenging terrain that could affect the deployment of election personnel and materials. 

Agboke assured political parties, security agencies and voters that INEC was working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, credible and transparent election despite the identified security and logistical concerns.

He explained that the commission had strengthened its collaboration with security agencies to guarantee the safety of electoral officials, voters and election materials in all parts of the state, particularly in the flashpoint communities. 

The REC also urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid actions capable of inciting violence before, during and after the election.

According to him, election observers, party agents and other stakeholders must also discharge their responsibilities with honesty and impartiality to sustain public confidence in the electoral process.

Agboke further reiterated INEC's commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election, adding that adequate measures had been put in place to overcome the challenges posed by difficult terrains and security threats across the state.