The Independent National Electoral Commission and security services have been tasked by President Bola Tinubu with making sure the Osun State governorship election is credible, transparent, and peaceful.
There are fifteen candidates running for the governorship, and the election is set for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Ademola Adeleke, the current governor of the Accord Party, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress are among the contenders.
Tinubu asked INEC to guaranty the integrity of the electoral process and offer a transparent and orderly election in a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“I urge the Independent National Electoral Commission to make sure the election is conducted in an orderly manner as the people of Osun State head to the voting places to choose their government for the next four years. The election needs to be free, fair, and transparent. “I implore INEC to guaranty the process’s integrity,” Tinubu declared.
He called on INEC to take advantage of the poll to show that it is ready for the general elections in 2027.
“INEC needs to show Nigerians that they are fully prepared for the 2027 elections by using this last off-cycle election as a test case,” he continued.
The Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security services assigned for the election were also instructed by the President to guaranty sufficient security for voters and election workers.
“I have directed the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security groups participating in the election to ensure that polling places are as secure as possible. He stated that troublemakers should not be permitted to interfere with the process.
Tinubu urged citizens to cast ballots fearlessly and emphasized the importance of shielding voters and electoral workers from harassment.
He stated, “Voters and electoral officials must be protected so they can carry out their civic duties without fear or intimidation.”
The President called on citizens to use their constitutional right to vote while abstaining from any actions that would interfere with the election.
He declared, “Voters should feel confident to go out in large numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice because all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election.”
According to Tinubu, the election’s legitimacy will rely on how well it represented Osun people’ preferences.
The President stated, “Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people.”
