Tension mars INEC stakeholders’ meeting ahead of Osun governorship poll

A stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State was disrupted on Wednesday by rival political supporters, raising concerns over the tense atmosphere surrounding the poll.

The meeting, held at Atlantis Hall, brought together political parties, civil society organisations and other election stakeholders to discuss preparations for the forthcoming governorship election.

Proceedings became rowdy when the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, was invited to address participants. Supporters of the Accord Party repeatedly booed the police chief, while members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) responded with loud applause, making it difficult for attendees to follow his remarks.

The tension persisted as supporters of the APC also interrupted the Chairman of the Imole Campaign Council Media Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, drowning out parts of his presentation with chants and jeers.

Outside the venue, a group of protesters, reportedly made up largely of women and believed to be aligned with the Accord Party, staged a peaceful demonstration, calling on INEC to conduct a credible, peaceful and transparent election.

The demonstrators displayed placards bearing messages including, “We want peace in Osun, not war,” and “Osun election must be free and fair.”

Meanwhile, the APC Campaign Council accused the Accord Party of orchestrating the protest to disrupt the stakeholders’ engagement.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Remi Omowaye, the APC alleged that the demonstration was politically motivated and intended to distract participants from the meeting.

Security was heightened around the venue, with armed security personnel deployed within and outside the premises to maintain order throughout the event.

The meeting followed a series of engagements by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, who arrived in Osun on Tuesday and paid courtesy visits to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers as part of preparations for the governorship election.