The Diocesan Bishop of Ijesa North Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Reverend Isaac Oluyamo, has urged Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, the constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in Africa’s most populous country, to uphold the sanctity of the ballot in the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State, both located in south western Nigeria.
The Ekiti State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2026, while voters in Osun State are expected to elect their next governor on Saturday, August 8, 2026. As preparations intensify, public discourse has increasingly focused on the readiness of the electoral umpire to deliver transparent and credible polls in both states.
Okay News reports that Reverend Oluyamo made the appeal during his sermon at the 2026 thanksgiving service of the Ijesa North Diocese, which was held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Saint Matthew’s Anglican Church in Ijebu-Jesa, a town in Osun State, Nigeria.
Addressing the congregation, the Anglican cleric emphasized that democracy could only thrive when electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the electorate. He urged the electoral commission to ensure that votes cast by citizens are protected and accurately counted.
He stated, “With the Ekiti and Osun State elections on the horizon, I appeal to the federal authorities and INEC to respect the sacredness of the ballot. Let the choice of the people stand. I further charge the police and other security agencies to strip themselves of partisanship and do their work with professionalism and the fear of God.”
Beyond the electoral process, Reverend Oluyamo also turned attention to Nigeria’s lingering security challenges. Speaking on the state of insecurity in the country, he acknowledged efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current President and former Governor of Lagos State, but expressed concern that fear remains widespread on major highways and in rural communities.
According to the bishop, violent crimes such as abductions, banditry, and armed attacks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods, despite ongoing government interventions. While commending steps already taken, he warned that incremental actions were insufficient.
He said, “We acknowledge the efforts made, but the President must do more — and he must do it with extreme urgency. The people are weary. To re-instil the confidence and trust that have been eroded, the government must move from ‘mitigation’ to ‘eradication.’ Our farms must be safe, our roads must be secure, and the Nigerian child must sleep without the sound of gunfire.”
As part of his message for the new year, Reverend Oluyamo offered prayers and prophetic declarations for Nigeria and its citizens in 2026. He encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful for national renewal, particularly in Osun State.
He added, “Your journey in 2026 shall please the Lord. You shall not stagger. You shall end this year with testimonies that silence the devourer. As the Lord lives, Nigeria shall move from the drought into the garden of plenty.”
