By John Dike, Osogbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified 385 flashpoints across Osun State and about 200 difficult terrains as part of preparations for the forthcoming governorship election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed this while speaking on the commission’s readiness for the poll, noting that the identified flashpoints have already been shared with security agencies to strengthen election security and operational planning.
According to Babalola, the commission also identified approximately 200 difficult-to-access locations across the state to enable security personnel and election officials prepare adequately for the logistical challenges posed by poor road networks and remote communities
She explained that INEC has intensified its election preparedness through comprehensive risk management training for its personnel, adding that the commission is currently operating within what she described as the “amber zone” of the electoral cycle, a critical phase requiring heightened vigilance and strategic planning.
The REC said field officers would be deployed across all the local government areas participating in the governorship election to conduct on-the-ground risk assessments, monitor security developments and provide real-time reports ahead of the exercise.
Babalola stressed that the commission has continued to equip its workforce with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage potential risks while maintaining professionalism and composure during the conduct of the election.
She further revealed that she had personally visited 29 of the state’s 30 local government areas, including Ila and Ifedayo, where recent incidents of kidnapping and other criminal activities have generated security concerns.
While acknowledging the security challenges in those areas, the REC clarified that she would not categorise the incidents as banditry but admitted that they require sustained attention from relevant security agencies.
Babalola also reassured INEC staff over their safety, saying security agencies have provided adequate assurances that measures are in place to protect election personnel and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
“I receive messages on a daily basis from staff asking whether they should open their offices or even report for work. I have assured them that the security agencies have given us confidence that adequate measures are in place to ensure a peaceful environment,” she said.
She expressed confidence that with the level of collaboration between INEC and security agencies, the forthcoming Osun governorship election would be conducted peacefully and creditably.
