Tinubu urges INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, free and credible Osun governorship election on August 15, 2026.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a peaceful and credible Osun governorship election.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Fifteen candidates are expected to compete for the governorship seat and lead the state for the next four years.
Among the major contenders are incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salaam.
Tinubu made the call in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu Urges INEC to Protect Election Integrity
Tinubu asked INEC to protect the integrity of the Osun governorship election.
He said voters must have the freedom to choose their preferred candidates without intimidation.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The president also urged INEC to make the election transparent, free and fair.
He said the Osun governorship election provides an important opportunity for the commission to strengthen public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu Sets 2027 Election Test for INEC
According to Tinubu, INEC should use the Osun governorship election as a test of its readiness for the 2027 polls.
He described the election as the final off-cycle governorship election before the next 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.
Tinubu noted that the conduct of electoral officials would play a major role in determining public confidence.
He also stressed the importance of transparency throughout the voting process.
Tinubu Orders Maximum Security
Tinubu also directed security agencies to provide adequate protection during the election.
He specifically charged the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs with securing polling units and other strategic locations.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He warned that security agencies must not allow troublemakers to disrupt the exercise.
The president also called for the protection of voters and electoral officials.
He said everyone involved in the election should perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation.
Tinubu Encourages Osun Voters to Participate
Tinubu urged eligible voters across Osun State to come out and exercise their democratic rights.
He asked voters to choose their preferred candidates peacefully.
“Voters should feel confident to go out in their numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice,” he said.
The president also warned against any action that could undermine the electoral process.
He said the credibility of the Osun governorship election would depend on whether the final result reflects the wishes of voters.
“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” Tinubu declared.
With the Osun governorship election set for August 15, attention now turns to INEC, security agencies, political parties and voters.
Tinubu urged all stakeholders to work together to deliver a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
