Protest disrupts INEC stakeholders’ meeting ahead of Osun governorship election

A stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election was briefly disrupted on Wednesday after protesters stormed the venue demanding a peaceful and credible poll.

 

The protest delayed the commencement of the meeting by about 30 minutes shortly after the arrival of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

 

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “One Man, One Vote,” “We Don’t Want Violence,” “INEC Give Us Free Election,” and “BVAS Must Work,” the protesters called for a free, fair and peaceful election.

 

The demonstration remained peaceful as participants moved around the hall displaying their messages.

 

Tension also emerged during the introduction of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Gotan Ibrahim.

 

While supporters of one political party gave the police commissioner a standing ovation, representatives of several other political parties booed him, reflecting growing political divisions ahead of the election.

 

The commissioner’s address was largely drowned out by jeers from sections of the audience.

 

The development comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State, where violence has been reported in recent weeks, with some political actors accusing the police of bias.

 

On Tuesday, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, appealed to INEC to ensure a peaceful, free and credible governorship election.

 

“The political tension in Osun is extremely unbearable for us. We do not wish to disrupt the process. We desire a peaceful election,” the monarch said.