President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State.
The President gave the directive in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, ahead of Saturday’s poll.
Tinubu charged INEC to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the election is conducted in a free, fair and orderly 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 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 added.
The President also directed the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and other security chiefs deployed for the election to provide adequate protection at polling units and prevent any attempt by troublemakers 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 emphasised the need to protect voters and electoral officials, assuring residents that necessary security measures had been put in place to enable them to participate without fear or intimidation.
“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 stated.
Tinubu further appealed to voters to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully and avoid any action capable of undermining the electoral process.
More than 25,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed across the state for the election, while INEC has maintained that preparations for the poll are progressing as scheduled.
With 15 candidates on the ballot, Saturday’s election is expected to be keenly contested as voters in the state’s 30 local government areas elect a governor who will steer the affairs of Osun State for the next four years.
