The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has noted that preparations for the Osun governorship election also formed part of the commission’s broader plans for the 2027 general elections, describing the state as strategically important in Nigeria’s electoral calendar.

Prof Amupitan made this disclosure on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, where he appealed for the support of traditional institutions in promoting peace before, during and after the election.

According to him, “Osun is special in the democratic structure of Nigeria because it is the last major off-cycle election before the general elections. We now see it as a mirror through which we can measure our preparations for the 2027 general elections.”

He also maintained that the commission has put in place extensive measures to ensure a successful August 15 governorship election in Osun State and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, credible and transparent governorship election in the State. 

The INEC chairman said the commission had prioritised peaceful conduct, efficient logistics, timely commencement of voting, transparent result management and prompt declaration of results as critical components of the election.

According to him, “INEC had also introduced additional measures to enhance voter participation, including the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection period and the introduction of online voter registration initiatives.

“We have the responsibility and duty to do everything within our power to ensure that the election is peaceful.

“We are doing everything possible in INEC and putting a lot of measures in place, like the extension of the collection of PVCs and the introduction of online registration, to make sure the election is free, fair, inclusive and credible.”

Addressing concerns over political tension in the state, Amupitan disclosed that INEC had been working closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure adequate deployment of personnel and prevent violence during the election.

He stressed that no political contest was worth the loss of human lives, saying, “The blood of any resident of the state is not worth shedding. INEC will do everything possible to ensure the safety of voters and our staff on election day.”

The INEC chairman appealed to the Ataoja to use his influence to encourage politicians and their supporters to embrace peace, noting that the monarch’s voice carried significant weight across Osogbo and beyond.

“We appeal to the Ataoja of Osogbo to help us intervene in order to avoid further regret and the futility of fighting ourselves. Osun is a shining example to other states, but what will they learn if there is violence and bloodshed? INEC is committed to ensuring that a peaceful election is achieved and that the people of the state freely choose their preferred candidate on 15 August,” he added.

Amupitan expressed concern that election-related violence could discourage voter turnout, warning that attempts to intimidate the electorate would undermine democratic participation.

Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, welcomed the INEC chairman and called for a peaceful, free and fair governorship election across Osun State. 

Oba Oyetunji thanked the commission’s leadership for the visit and prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance in carrying out its constitutional responsibility.

Earlier, retired Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, described the assignment before the new INEC chairman as significant, particularly because of the importance of the forthcoming Osun governorship election. 

Justice Adeigbe also assured the INEC chairman that the Ataoja’s palace would continue to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage political stakeholders to embrace dialogue despite prevailing security concerns. 

By Abdullahi Maku

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to commence a total and comprehensive nationwide industrial strike on Aug. 10 if the Federal Government fails to address its outstanding demands.

The resolution was contained in a communique issued at the end of the association’s July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which began on Sunday in Gombe and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday night.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; the Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

The association said the decision followed a review of the implementation of previous resolutions and engagements with the Federal Government, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of compliance on several welfare and professional issues affecting resident doctors.

It said although the Federal Government had successfully disbursed the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors, several critical issues remained unresolved.

“The NEC resolved to embark on a Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike (TICS) commencing at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, should the Federal Government fail to satisfactorily address the outstanding issues contained in this communique before the expiration of the stipulated timeline.”

NARD said it remained concerned over the delay in the payment of the outstanding 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) upward review arrears, 19 months’ Professional Allowance arrears and promotion arrears owed to doctors in several federal health institutions.

The association further expressed concern over persistent welfare challenges affecting house officers, including delayed salary payments, unpaid arrears, internship placement bottlenecks and prolonged onboarding processes.

It also described the persistent assault, harassment, intimidation and violent attacks against doctors while on duty as barbaric and unacceptable, calling for urgent legislative measures to criminalise assaults on healthcare workers nationwide.

The association said negotiations on the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement remained unsatisfactory and called for its accelerated conclusion, signing and implementation.

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to conclude the work of the ministerial committee on excessive workload, prolonged call duty hours, casualisation of medical doctors and abusive locum appointments, and implement its recommendations without further delay.

The association also demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding salary and promotion arrears across federal health institutions and urged government to resolve welfare challenges affecting house officers.

It further called for the rehabilitation and upgrading of public health infrastructure nationwide through the provision of modern medical equipment, improved maintenance of facilities, uninterrupted electricity supply and better working conditions for healthcare workers.

According to NARD, governments at both federal and state levels should increase investment in healthcare, strengthen primary healthcare services, accelerate the implementation of Universal Health Coverage and recruit and retain adequate healthcare personnel.

“The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue but reiterated that the welfare of resident doctors and the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system remain non-negotiable.”

The association also urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to implement the Professional Allowance Table, settle outstanding CONMESS review arrears and other entitlements owed to doctors.

NARD, however, commended the Federal Government for disbursing the 2026 MRTF to eligible resident doctors, the Federal Character Commission for resolving manpower challenges through timely issuance of compliance letters, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for intervening in the industrial dispute involving resident doctors at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife.

It also commended the governors of Osun, Kaduna, Oyo, Rivers and Plateau States for improving doctors’ welfare, infrastructure, manpower development and working conditions in their respective states.

NAN reports that NARD had, at its E-NEC meeting in June, extended by four weeks an earlier 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unresolved welfare and professional concerns.

The association had warned that it would activate the process leading to industrial action if government failed to substantially address the issues within the additional four-week period.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Akpan