Tinubu: Protect Voters, Ensure Credible Osun Poll

Amarachi Ihesiulo

August 14, 2026
3 min read
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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

The President made the call ahead of Saturday’s election, August 15, 2026, urging security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and other participants from intimidation or violence.

Fifteen candidates are contesting the election, with the major contenders including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam.

In a statement, Tinubu charged INEC to ensure that the election meets the highest standards of transparency and fairness, describing the Osun poll as an important opportunity for the electoral body to demonstrate its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

“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 President said.

He urged the electoral commission to safeguard the integrity of the voting process and ensure that the choice of the electorate is accurately reflected in the final outcome.

“INEC must use this last off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate to Nigerians their full preparedness for the 2027 polls,” Tinubu added.

The President also directed the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies participating in the election to provide maximum security at polling units and other critical locations.

He warned that troublemakers must not be allowed to disrupt voting or intimidate citizens exercising their constitutional rights.

“Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation,” he said.

Tinubu consequently appealed to Osun residents to come out and vote for candidates of their choice, assuring them that measures had been put in place to provide security before, during and after the election.

He also urged voters to avoid actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting the electoral process.

The President stressed that political competition should not undermine peace in the state, urging all candidates, political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly.

The election is being closely watched as one of the final major off-cycle governorship contests before the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu said the credibility of the Osun election would depend not only on INEC but also on the conduct of political actors, voters and security personnel.

“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” the President declared.

The President’s intervention comes as security preparations intensify across Osun State, with attention focused on preventing violence and ensuring that voters can freely exercise their franchise.

The outcome of Saturday’s poll is expected to determine who will lead Osun State for the next four years.