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Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a transparent and peaceful governorship election in Osun State.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Friday, August 14, 2026, ahead of the Saturday poll, President Tinubu urged voters to turn out in large numbers while shunning any acts capable of disrupting the process.
He emphasised the crucial role of the electoral body, declaring, “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 instructed officials to safeguard the vote’s integrity and ensure orderly conduct, stressing that “our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people.”
To ensure voter safety, President Tinubu directed law enforcement leadership to secure all voting stations across the state.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
“No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process. Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation.”
Fifteen candidates are contesting the race, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, All Progressives Congress candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and African Democratic Congress candidate Hon. Najeem Salaam.
