President Bola Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful and transparent governorship election in Osun State scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
In a Statehouse press statement issued Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President charged INEC to ensure the poll is orderly, free, and fair, and described the Osun election as a final test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Fifteen candidates are on the ballot to elect who will govern Osun State for the next four years,” the statement said. They include incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the All Progressives Congress candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress candidate Hon. Najeem Salaam.
President Tinubu said he has directed the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security outfits deployed for the election to provide maximum security at polling units.
“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 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.”
He also urged Osun voters to turn out and exercise their civic responsibility, and to avoid any action that could disrupt the process.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people.”
The President assured residents of their safety before, during, and after the polls.
