Poll: INEC Identifies 385 Flashpoints, 200 Challenging Terrains — Osun Guber

As the August 15, 2026, governorship election approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has disclosed its identification of approximately 385 flashpoints and 200 challenging areas across the state that present accessibility difficulties.

The state's Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, revealed this information during a crucial meeting. The gathering was organized by the Deputy Inspector General of Police for the South West region, Adegoke Fayoade, and included top security chiefs, religious figures, electoral personnel, and members of the press.

The session, which took place on Friday at the Nigeria Police Force's Osun State command headquarters in Osogbo, also saw the presence of Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

Babalola, while outlining INEC’s readiness for the upcoming election, confirmed that comprehensive findings from the commission’s risk assessment, conducted across all 30 local government areas, have been shared with leaders of security agencies within the state.

She stated, “We have also conducted risk management training because we are currently in our amber zone. Our field officers will be on the ground for verification, carrying out risk assessments in various locations across all 30 local government areas.”

“We identified 385 flashpoints in the state, which have been shared with the security agencies. Additionally, we pinpointed difficult terrains to assist their operations, as some areas in the state remain unmotorable and challenging to reach.”

“Approximately 200 such areas were identified, and we have been training our staff on self-management and peace maintenance. I have personally visited 29 out of the 30 local government areas in the state,” Babalola concluded.

The REC further mentioned her visits to Ila and Ifedayo local government areas, known for kidnapping incidents, stating that security agencies have given assurances of a peaceful environment both before and after the election.

Regarding the necessary election materials, Babalola confirmed that the commission has already received about 75 percent of the items required for the exercise.

She explained, “For example, non-statutory materials have already been dispatched to their designated locations. The Commissioner of Police, alongside other security agencies, has consistently assured us of a peaceful election process.”

Babalola emphasized, “Because if we conduct an election without peace, even our best-laid plans would be futile if no one turns out to vote on election day.”

She urged all security agencies within the state to redouble their efforts, expressing confidence that they possess the capacity to do more to guarantee residents a tranquil environment for the governorship election.

The REC reiterated, “On our part, we are committed to ensuring the conduct of free, fair, credible, inclusive, and transparent governorship elections.”

Osun State voters are set to head to the polls on August 15 to elect their next governor. The incumbent, Ademola Adeleke, is seeking re-election under the Accord party banner.

His key opponents include Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who reportedly has the backing of former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.