Osun Election Must Be Free, Fair, Tinubu Charges INEC Ahead of Saturday Poll

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that Saturday’s Osun State governorship election is peaceful, transparent, free and credible.

The election, scheduled for August 15, 2026, will feature 15 candidates competing for the governorship of the state.

Among the major contenders are incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Tinubu Tasks INEC on Electoral Integrity

Tinubu’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President urged INEC to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the election is conducted in an orderly and transparent manner.

He stressed that the Osun election must reflect the genuine choice of voters and demonstrate the commission’s preparedness to conduct credible elections.

According to the President, the poll provides an opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Ademola Adeleke

Security Agencies Given Directives

Tinubu also directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies involved in the election to protect voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders.

He called for adequate security arrangements throughout the electoral process and warned against attempts to disrupt voting or interfere with the peaceful conduct of the election.

The President emphasised that every eligible voter should be able to cast their ballot without fear or intimidation.

‘Election Must Reflect the Will of the People’

Tinubu urged Osun voters to participate in the election with confidence, assuring them that necessary measures had been put in place to provide a peaceful environment for voting.

He said the credibility of the election would ultimately depend on whether the outcome accurately reflects the decision of the people of Osun State.

The President maintained that the final result should represent the will of the electorate, rather than the interests of political parties, candidates or other individuals.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.

Test Ahead of 2027 Elections

The President further described the Osun governorship election as an important opportunity to assess the country’s electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He encouraged INEC to use the exercise to demonstrate its capacity to conduct elections that meet the expectations of Nigerians and strengthen confidence in the democratic process.

With voting scheduled for Saturday, political parties and candidates have intensified their final preparations, while security agencies and electoral officials continue to make arrangements for the poll across the state.

The outcome of the Osun election is expected to attract significant national attention as it could also provide an indication of the political mood ahead of the 2027 elections.