President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State.
Tinubu gave the directive ahead of Saturday’s election. Voters across the state will elect a governor for the next four years. Fifteen candidates are contesting the election. The major contenders are incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam.
Tinubu Charges INEC On Election Integrity
Tinubu urged INEC to protect the integrity of the electoral process. He also called for an election that reflects the wishes of Osun voters. The President described the poll as the final off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections. He urged INEC to use the exercise to demonstrate its readiness for the next general election.
“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 further urged the commission to use the election as a test of its preparations for 2027.
“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.
Tinubu Warns Against Electoral Violence
The President also directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs to protect voters and electoral officials. He warned those planning to disrupt the election to stay away from the process. Tinubu said security agencies must prevent troublemakers from interfering with voting.
“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 said.
He stressed the need to protect voters and electoral officials from fear and intimidation.
Tinubu Assures Osun Voters Of Safety
Tinubu also urged eligible voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their constitutional right to vote. He assured residents that security agencies had put adequate measures in place for the election.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu said the election must produce a result that 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 declared.
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