Osun Election: Tinubu Charges INEC, Security Agencies to Ensure Free, Fair Poll

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State.

The President gave the directive ahead of Saturday’s August 15, 2026 governorship election, in which 15 candidates are contesting for the state’s top political office.

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

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu urged INEC to ensure the orderly conduct of the election and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

He described the Osun poll as an opportunity for the electoral commission to demonstrate its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu also directed the Inspector-General of Police and heads of other security agencies involved in the election to provide maximum security at polling units and prevent troublemakers from disrupting the exercise.

The President stressed that electoral officials and voters must be able to perform their duties without fear, intimidation or harassment.

He urged eligible voters across Osun State to come out and exercise their constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice.

Tinubu assured residents that measures had been put in place to protect them before, during and after the election.

He cautioned political actors and their supporters against actions capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the poll.

According to the President, the credibility of the election would depend on ensuring that the final outcome accurately reflects the choice of Osun voters.

He urged INEC to maintain transparency throughout the electoral process and ensure that all eligible participants were given a fair opportunity to exercise their franchise.

Tinubu said the election should serve as a demonstration that Nigeria’s democratic institutions were capable of conducting credible elections.

The President further called on voters to reject violence and avoid any conduct capable of threatening public order.

His appeal comes amid heightened political tensions in Osun State in the days leading to the election, with competing parties and candidates intensifying their final mobilisation efforts.

The President’s directive also places additional responsibility on security agencies to maintain neutrality while protecting polling centres, election officials, voters and electoral materials.

With the poll scheduled for Saturday, attention is now focused on INEC’s preparations, security arrangements and the ability of political actors to ensure a peaceful election.

Tinubu maintained that Nigeria’s elections must remain credible and that the outcome of the Osun governorship election must reflect the will of the people.