President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a peaceful, free and fair governorship election in Osun State, directing security agencies to ensure the protection of voters as the election is set to hold on 15th August 2026.
President Tinubu also challenged the electoral body to use the Osun governorship election to demonstrate 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,” he stressed.
On security, the President said he had directed the Inspector-General of Police and heads of other security agencies involved in the election to provide adequate protection at polling units and prevent any attempt to disrupt the process.
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“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”.
“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,” the President emphasised.
The Nigerian Leader equally urged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers, exercise their civic responsibility peacefully and avoid 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.
He further urged INEC to ensure a transparent and orderly process that protects the integrity of the ballot and reflects the will of the electorate.
“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” President Tinubu declared.
The people of Osun State will go to the polls on Saturday, August 15, 2026, to elect a governor from among 15 candidates. They include incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam.
