- Tinubu urged INEC to ensure a credible Osun poll
- He directed security agencies to protect voters and officials
- The President said the result must reflect Osun voters’ choice
President Bola Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure that Saturday’s Osun State governorship election is conducted peacefully and reflects the choice of voters.
The August 15 election will see 15 candidates compete for the governorship seat, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, APC candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
Tinubu’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President urged INEC officials to protect the credibility of the exercise and ensure that voters can cast their ballots without interference.
He described the election as an important opportunity for the electoral commission to demonstrate its preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Tinubu, the conduct of the Osun poll will be closely watched and should strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The President also directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs involved in the election to ensure adequate protection at polling centres and other sensitive locations.
He warned that individuals attempting to cause violence or disrupt voting should not be allowed to interfere with the process.
Tinubu stressed that both voters and election officials must be able to carry out their responsibilities without threats, intimidation or harassment.
He further encouraged eligible residents of Osun to participate in the election and freely support candidates of their choice.
The President said the credibility of the poll would ultimately depend on whether its outcome accurately represented the decision of the people.
He therefore appealed to political parties, candidates, voters, electoral officials and security personnel to work together to ensure a peaceful and transparent election.
