Osun election must be free, fair – Tinubu charges INEC, security agencies

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful and transparent election in Osun State. He warned security forces to prevent troublemakers from causing unrest during the voting process. The Osun State gubernatorial election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, with 15 candidates, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress's Najeem Salaam.

Tinubu urged voters in Osun State to participate in the electoral process while refraining from any actions that could disrupt the election's peaceful conduct. He assured the electorate of their safety before and after the polls. In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that the election must be orderly, transparent, free, and fair.

He called on INEC to demonstrate its preparedness for the 2027 polls through this crucial off-cycle election. Tinubu charged the Inspector-General of Police and other security leaders to ensure maximum security at polling stations, preventing any disruption caused by troublemakers. He stressed that electoral officials and voters must be safeguarded, allowing them to fulfill their civic duties without fear or intimidation.

Tinubu assured voters of a secure environment to cast their votes for their preferred candidate, confident that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election. He reiterated that the credibility of the election outcome should reflect the will of the Osun electorate.