President Bola Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu called on INEC to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure the poll is conducted in an orderly, free and fair manner.
The President described the election as an opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its readiness 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,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs deployed for the election to provide adequate security at polling units and prevent any attempts to disrupt voting.
He stressed that voters and electoral officials must be protected from intimidation and urged residents to participate peacefully.
“Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation,” the President said.
More than 25,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed across Osun State ahead of the election.
A total of 15 candidates are on the ballot as voters across the state’s 30 local government areas prepare to elect a governor for the next four years.
The election is expected to be closely contested, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and other contenders in the race.
