Tinubu Calls for Free and Fair Elections in Osun State

President Bola Tinubu has told the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to make sure the governorship election in Osun State is peaceful, clear, and trustworthy.

The election will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Fifteen candidates are running for the governorship seat.

The candidates include the current Governor Ademola Adeleke from the Accord Party, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji from the All Progressives Congress, and Najeem Salaam from the African Democratic Congress.

In a statement on Friday from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu asked INEC to keep the election process honest and provide a clear and smooth election.

"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," Tinubu said.

He also urged INEC to see the election as a chance to show they are ready 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 added.

The President directed the Inspector-General of Police and heads of security agencies involved in the election to ensure voters and electoral officials are well protected.

"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," he said.

Tinubu emphasized the need to protect voters and electoral officials from any threats, encouraging residents to participate in the election without fear.

"Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation," he said.

The President encouraged voters to come out and exercise their constitutional rights while avoiding actions that could disrupt 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.

Tinubu mentioned that the credibility of the election will depend on whether the results truly reflect the choices of the voters in Osun.

"Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people," the President declared.