President Bola Tinubu has tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to provide a peaceful, transparent, free and credible governorship election in Osun State.
The President gave the directive in a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
The President specifically urged INEC to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the election is conducted in an orderly and credible 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,” the President said.
He also asked the electoral body 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 added.
The President further directed the Inspector-General of Police (OGP), Tunji Disu, and other heads of security agencies deployed for the election, to provide adequate security at polling units and prevent attempts by individuals or groups to disrupt the exercise.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He stressed the need to protect voters and electoral officials, urging residents to participate in the election without fear, intimidation or harassment.
“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,” the President said.
The President in the same statement appealed to voters to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully and avoid actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
Fifteen candidates are on the ballot for the election, which will see 1.9million voters across the state’s 30 local government areas, file out to choose the governor for the next four years.
The election is expected to be closely contested, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji and other candidates seeking the mandate of the electorate.
More than 25,000 security operatives have been deployed across the state for the election, while INEC has maintained that preparations for the poll will be without glitches.
