Osun poll security tightens as soldiers and three APCs take over the INEC office in Osogbo ahead of Saturday’s governorship election
Armed soldiers have taken over security at the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Osogbo, Osun State, as preparations intensify for the 15 August 2026 governorship election.
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The military deployment began on Sunday, with the number of personnel increasing on Monday as security agencies stepped up measures around the commission’s headquarters.
Three Armoured Personnel Carriers were also deployed to the INEC premises, where fully armed soldiers were stationed at the main entrance.
Before the military deployment, anti-riot mobile police officers and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were responsible for security around the commission’s office.
A security source close to the commission said the soldiers assumed full responsibility for security at the premises on Monday morning, while other agencies remained at their respective duty posts.
“They arrived yesterday (Sunday), but their numbers increased today (Monday),” the source said.
“The soldiers are in charge now, but all other security personnel are at their duty posts too. In the next few days, the police and Civil Defence personnel will join.”
The source also confirmed the deployment of three APCs as part of the security arrangements around the electoral commission.
The heightened security comes less than a week before Osun voters are due to choose the state’s next governor in a closely watched election.
The deployment is part of wider preparations to protect electoral personnel, materials and facilities as the state moves towards polling day.
INEC said it had completed 12 of the 13 activities contained in its timetable for the election, leaving only the conduct of the poll itself.
The Osun State INEC Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, said the commission was ready for Saturday’s election.
“We are fully ready for the election on Saturday,” Olurode said.
He added that sensitive electoral materials would be distributed to the various local government areas on Thursday, two days before voters go to the polls.
The military presence at the INEC headquarters comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity across Osun as candidates and their supporters make final efforts ahead of the election.
With sensitive materials scheduled for distribution later in the week, security around INEC facilities is expected to remain tight as authorities seek to protect the electoral process and prevent disruptions.
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The final preparations will culminate on Saturday, when voters across Osun State cast their ballots to determine who will govern the state.
