President Bola Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that Saturday’s Osun State governorship election is free, fair and transparent.
According to daily post,The President also directed security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders during the exercise.
Tinubu made the call on Friday, a day before Osun residents head to the polls to elect their governor for the next four years. His position was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President said INEC must protect the integrity of the electoral process. He also urged the commission to ensure that the election is conducted in an orderly manner.
According to him, the Osun governorship poll gives INEC an important opportunity to show Nigerians how prepared it is for the 2027 general election.
Tinubu described the election as the last off-cycle governorship poll before the 2027 elections. Therefore, he wants INEC to use the exercise to demonstrate its ability to conduct credible elections.
He said the commission must ensure that the final result reflects the choice of Osun voters.
“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” the President said.
Beyond the electoral body, Tinubu also placed responsibility on the security agencies deployed for the election. He directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs to provide adequate protection at polling units across the state.
The President warned that troublemakers should not be allowed to disrupt voting or intimidate citizens. He stressed that voters and electoral officials must be able to perform their duties without fear.
Tinubu also encouraged eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic rights peacefully. He assured them that security measures had been put in place before, during and after the election.
Meanwhile, fifteen candidates are contesting the Osun governorship election. They include the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam.
The election has attracted significant attention because of its political importance ahead of the 2027 general election. Tinubu’s latest message therefore places pressure on both INEC and the security agencies to deliver a process that voters can trust.
For many Nigerians watching the election, the focus will not only be on who wins. The conduct of the poll will also shape perceptions about the country’s readiness for the next general election.
The President has consequently urged all stakeholders to allow voters to make their choice without intimidation or interference. He also called on citizens to participate peacefully and respect the electoral process.
Ultimately, Tinubu said the credibility of the Osun election will depend on whether the result truly represents the will of the people.
