President Bola Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful and transparent governorship election in Osun State, scheduled for Saturday, 15 August 2026. The election will feature 15 candidates, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Munirudeen Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salaam.
President’s Charge to INEC and Security Forces
In a statement issued on August 14, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasized the need for INEC to conduct the election with integrity. “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,” the president said.
Tinubu also directed security heads, including the Inspector-General of Police, to provide maximum security at polling units. “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 added.
Appeal to Electorate and Assurance of Safety
The president urged Osun residents to exercise their civic duty without fear, assuring them of safety before and after the polls. “Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation. 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 stated.
He further stressed the importance of credible elections, saying, “Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people.” The president also called on INEC to use this off-cycle election as a test case 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.
Background and Candidates
The Osun State governorship election will see 15 candidates vying for the top office. Key contenders include the incumbent, Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election, alongside Munirudeen Oyebamiji of the APC and Najeem Salaam of the ADC. The election is expected to be closely watched as a precursor to the 2027 national elections.
Amnesty International has also called for adequate security during the election, as reported in a related story. The president’s statement reinforces the commitment to a peaceful process, with all necessary measures in place to protect voters and officials.
