President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State.
The election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, with 15 candidates contesting the governorship seat.
Tinubu also called on eligible voters across the state to come out and exercise their constitutional right to vote, assuring them of adequate security before, during and after the election.
The President’s position was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by his Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu Demands Transparent Electoral Process
The President urged INEC to ensure that the election is conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, stressing that the outcome must reflect the will of the people of Osun State.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He described the Osun governorship election as an opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its level of preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the election should serve as a test of the commission’s ability to deliver credible elections ahead of the next general polls.
“INEC must use this last off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate to Nigerians their full preparedness for the 2027 polls,” he said.
Security Agencies Directed to Protect Voters
Tinubu said he had directed security agencies participating in the election to provide maximum protection for voters, electoral officials and election materials.
“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,” the President stated.
He warned against any attempt by individuals or groups to disrupt the electoral process, stressing that voters and election officials must be allowed to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
“No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process. Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation,” he said.
President Urges Osun Voters to Participate Peacefully
The President urged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and vote for candidates of their choice peacefully.
Tinubu assured voters that measures had been put in place to provide security and facilitate a peaceful electoral process.
“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,” he said.
The President reiterated that the credibility of the election would depend on ensuring that the final result accurately reflects the choice of the electorate.
“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” Tinubu added.
15 Candidates to Contest Osun Governorship Election
A total of 15 candidates are expected to contest the Osun governorship election.
Among the major contenders are the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam.
The election is expected to determine who will govern Osun State for the next four years.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
