By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 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,” Tinubu said.
He urged the electoral body to use the off-cycle election as a test of 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 added.
Tinubu also 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 attempts 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 the need to protect voters and electoral officials, urging residents to participate in the election without fear or intimidation.
He called on voters to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully and avoid actions that could undermine the electoral process.
“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” Tinubu said.
More than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed across the state for the election, while INEC has said preparations are on course.
With 15 candidates on the ballot, the election is expected to be closely contested as voters across Osun State’s 30 local government areas elect a governor for the next four years.
