ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that the Osun State governorship election is conducted peacefully, transparently and credibly.
The election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with 15 candidates expected to contest for the governorship seat. Among the leading contenders are the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam.
Tinubu made the appeal in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President urged INEC to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that voters are allowed to freely choose their preferred candidates without intimidation or interference.
He said the Osun election provides an important opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its readiness for the 2027 general elections, describing the poll as the final off-cycle governorship election before the next general elections.
Tinubu also called on the commission to ensure orderly conduct at polling units and maintain transparency throughout the exercise.
Tinubu Directs Security Agencies to Protect Voters
The President further directed the Inspector-General of Police and the heads of other security agencies involved in the election to provide adequate security at polling units and other strategic locations.
He warned against attempts by individuals or groups to disrupt the electoral process, stressing that voters and election officials must be protected from violence, intimidation and other forms of interference.
Tinubu encouraged eligible voters across Osun State to come out and exercise their constitutional right peacefully, assuring them that necessary security arrangements had been put in place.
According to the President, the credibility of the election will ultimately depend on whether the outcome accurately reflects the wishes of the people of Osun State.
He therefore appealed to all political parties, candidates, election officials, security personnel and voters to contribute to a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The call comes as INEC and security agencies intensify final preparations for the election across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Thenewsbearer/Moy/Cyn
