Tinubu Challenges INEC to Prove Its 2027 Readiness in Osun Election

(President Bola Ahmed. Photo by Daily Trust)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to leverage the Osun State governorship election as an opportunity to showcase its readiness for the 2027 general elections.

The President similarly directed security agencies to safeguard the peaceful and transparent execution of the poll in Osun State.

Voters in Osun State will proceed to polling stations on Saturday, August 15, 2026, to select their state governor from among 15 candidates.

The contenders include the sitting governor representing the Accord Party, the All Progressives Congress nominee, and the African Democratic Congress candidate, among others.

The President called upon the electorate to fulfil their civic obligation and participate in the voting process.

He urged voters to refrain from actions that could undermine the election’s peaceful conduct while assuring them of their safety throughout the electoral period and beyond.

The President mandated INEC to conduct an orderly election characterised by transparency, fairness and integrity.

He specifically directed the electoral body to demonstrate through the Osun contest its complete preparedness for the forthcoming general elections, describing the state poll as a concluding off-cycle opportunity to make this demonstration.

The President stated he had instructed the police chief and other security agency leaders participating in the election to provide comprehensive security at polling locations and prevent disruptions.

Electoral officials and voters must be protected to enable them to discharge their responsibilities without fear or coercion, he stressed.

Voters should approach the polls with confidence, knowing measures ensuring a peaceful, free and fair process are established.

The President emphasised that elections must maintain credibility and that the Osun election outcome must genuinely reflect popular will.