President Bola Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with 15 candidates contesting the poll.
Among the contenders are incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Hon. Najeem Salaam.
Tinubu Charges INEC on Free and Fair Poll
In a statement issued ahead of the election, President Tinubu urged INEC to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people.
“As the people of Osun State head to the polling units to elect who will govern them in the next four years, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure orderly conduct of the election,” the President said.
“The election must be transparent, free and fair. I urge INEC to ensure the integrity of the process,” he added.
Tinubu described the election as an opportunity for the electoral commission to demonstrate its readiness for the 2027 general elections.
“INEC must use this last off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate to Nigerians their full preparedness for the 2027 polls,” he said.
Security Agencies Asked to Protect Voters
The President also directed security agencies participating in the election to provide adequate protection for voters and electoral officials.
“I have charged the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security outfits taking part in the election to provide maximum security at polling units. No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that electoral officials and voters must be able to carry out their civic responsibilities without fear or intimidation.
According to him, voters should feel confident to participate in the election and freely choose their preferred candidates.
“Voters should feel confident to go out in their numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice as all measures necessary to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election have been put in place,” he said.
President Urges Osun Voters to Maintain Peace
Tinubu also appealed to residents of Osun State to come out and exercise their civic responsibility while avoiding actions that could disrupt the electoral process.
He assured the people of the state of their safety before and after the election, urging all stakeholders to work towards a peaceful poll.
“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” the President declared.
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