Osun Guber Poll: INEC Identifies 385 Flashpoints, 200 Difficult Terrains

The Independent National Electoral Commission has identified 385 security flashpoints and about 200 difficult-to-access locations across Osun State as part of preparations for the August 15 governorship election. 

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The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed this during a stakeholders' meeting convened by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, at the state Police Command headquarters in Osogbo. 

The meeting brought together security chiefs, electoral officials, religious leaders and members of the media.

Babalola said the commission had concluded a comprehensive risk assessment in all 30 local government areas and shared its findings with security agencies to strengthen election planning and ensure adequate deployment of personnel.

"We have conducted risk management training because we are now in the amber phase. Field officers will continue with ground-truthing exercises across the local government areas. We identified 385 flashpoints, and the information has already been forwarded to security agencies," she said.

The REC added that INEC also mapped out about 200 communities with difficult terrain to enable security operatives and election officials to plan effectively for the movement of personnel and materials.

According to her, some locations remain inaccessible by road, requiring special logistical arrangements.

She further revealed that she had visited 29 of the state's 30 local government areas, including Ila and Ifedayo, where incidents of kidnapping had been reported. 

However, she expressed confidence after receiving assurances from security agencies that adequate measures would be in place to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.

Speaking on the commission's level of preparedness, Babalola said about 75 per cent of the materials required for the election had already been received, while non-sensitive materials had been distributed to designated locations.

She appealed to security agencies to sustain efforts at reassuring residents of their safety, stressing that peaceful conditions were essential for a successful poll. Babalola reiterated INEC's commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent election.

Osun voters are expected to elect a governor on August 15, with the incumbent, Ademola Adeleke, seeking another term.

He will face candidates of other political parties, including Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress and Dr Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress.