President Bola Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, and security agencies to ensure that the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are credible. The Nigerian leader made this appeal in a televised broadcast on Friday to mark this year's Democracy Day.
Call for Peaceful Polls
In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun states will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible, Tinubu said. He emphasized that the elections would provide another opportunity to deepen democratic governance and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Political Context
Tinubu's remarks come as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the two off-cycle governorship elections. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and major opposition parties in the two South-west states are fielding candidates. The president's call occurs amid ongoing debates about electoral integrity, voter participation, and security during elections.
INEC has repeatedly assured Nigerians of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, while security agencies have pledged to maintain law and order during the polls. The Ekiti and Osun governorship elections are among the major electoral contests expected to shape political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ekiti State Election Details
In Ekiti State, the governorship election scheduled for 20 June is expected to be keenly contested. Opposition political parties seek to succeed Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whose first term expires next year. Oyebanji is also seeking reelection as the APC's candidate. He will face 12 all-male opposition candidates: Oluwole Oluyede (PDP), Olajuyin Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe (Labour), Ayodele Olaniyi Olanrewaju Praise (PRP), Isaac Adebayo Alade (SDP), Abegunde Ayobami Blessing (NNPP), Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele (Youth Progressive), Adetunji Victor Damilola (ZLP), Falegan Opeyemi David (Accord), Bejide Oluwadare Patrick (ADC), Akande Oluwasegun Samuel (AAC), Ojo Ayodeji (ADP), and Awogbemi Bidemi Olaiya (APP). Political observers say the election will be closely watched as a measure of the APC's voting strength in one of its traditional strongholds in the South-west.
Osun State Election Details
In Osun State, the forthcoming election has been scheduled for 15 August. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord party is seeking re-election for a second term. He faces 13 other candidates, including Bola Oyebamiji (APC), Olanrewaju Farinloye (Action Alliance), Esan Olajide (AAC), Salaam Folasayo (ADC), and the only female candidate, Adeagbo Yemisi (ADP). Other participating parties are All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
