Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to ensure the protection of voters and electoral officials during Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, urging authorities to prevent any attempt to disrupt the poll, Prime Business Africa reports.
The directive came as 15 candidates prepare to contest the election, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, All Progressives Congress candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
Police Deploy Election Commissioner Ahead of Osun Governorship Poll Amid Rising Political Tension
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct an orderly, transparent and credible election, saying the result must reflect the will of Osun voters.
The president said he had instructed the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies deployed for the election to provide maximum security at polling units and ensure that voters and electoral personnel could perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
“No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process,” Tinubu said.
He also urged Osun residents to turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise peacefully and refrain from actions that could undermine the election.
The president’s intervention places security and electoral integrity at the centre of Saturday’s poll, which is also expected to provide a test of the country’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
READ MORE :
‘Deeply Embarrassed by the Timing’ : Tinubu Orders EFCC to Reverse Osun Account Freeze
Tinubu specifically tasked INEC with using the Osun election to demonstrate its readiness for the next nationwide electoral cycle.
“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.
The president assured voters that measures had been put in place to protect them before and after the election, while calling on security agencies to maintain vigilance throughout the process.
He said the credibility of the election would ultimately depend on ensuring that voters were able to freely choose their preferred candidates and that the final outcome accurately represented their choice.
“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” Tinubu said.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
