By Ayo Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver a transparent, free and credible governorship election in Osun State on Saturday, declaring that the outcome of the poll must reflect the genuine will of the electorate.
The President also directed the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies deployed for the election to ensure watertight security across the state, warning that there must be no room for individuals or groups seeking to undermine the democratic process.
The President’s directive comes as Osun prepares for one of Nigeria’s most keenly contested off-cycle governorship elections, with heightened political tension, intensified security deployments and growing national attention on the conduct of the poll.
More than 1.9 million registered voters who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are expected to decide who governs the State of the Living Spring for the next four years.
Fifteen political parties are participating in the election, although political analysts regard the contest as largely a three-way race involving incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Hon. Najeem Salam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a message to the nation ahead of Saturday’s poll, Tinubu urged INEC to ensure that every stage of the electoral process met the highest standards of transparency, credibility and fairness.
“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 challenged the electoral commission to use the Osun governorship election as a benchmark for rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.
The President also directed security agencies to guarantee a peaceful environment throughout the election, stressing that voters and election officials must be protected from intimidation, violence or any form of disruption.
“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. Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation,” he said.
Assuring residents of their safety, Tinubu encouraged eligible voters to participate actively in the election and vote for candidates of their choice without fear.
“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. Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” the President declared.
