President Bola Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State.
Tinubu made the call in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, ahead of Saturday’s election.
The President urged INEC to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the election is conducted in an orderly, free and fair manner.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also urged the electoral commission to use the Osun election as an opportunity to demonstrate its preparedness for 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 said.
Security Agencies Charged
Tinubu directed the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies deployed for the election to provide adequate security at polling units and prevent any attempt to disrupt the process.
“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.
The President stressed that both voters and electoral officials must be protected throughout the exercise.
“Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation. 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,” Tinubu said.
He also urged residents to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully and avoid actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
More than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed across Osun State for the election, while INEC has said preparations for the poll are on course.
With 15 candidates on the ballot, the election is expected to be closely contested as voters across the state’s 30 local government areas elect a governor for the next four years.