President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a peaceful, free and fair governorship election in Osun State, directing security agencies to ensure adequate protection for voters during Saturday’s poll.
The election is scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026, with 15 candidates contesting for the governorship seat.
President Tinubu also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to use the Osun governorship election as a test of its preparedness 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,” the President said.
On security, Tinubu said he had directed the Inspector-General of Police and heads of other security agencies participating in the election to provide maximum security at polling units and prevent attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
“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,” he said.
The President also urged INEC to ensure an orderly and transparent election that would protect the integrity of the ballot and reflect the wishes of the electorate.
“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 election must be transparent, free and fair. I urge INEC to ensure the integrity of the process,” Tinubu emphasised.
The President called on eligible voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, while warning against actions capable of undermining the election.
“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.
Tinubu further stressed the need for credible elections, saying the outcome of Saturday’s poll must reflect the choice of Osun voters.
“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” the President declared.
The Osun electorate will on Saturday choose among 15 candidates, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam.
