President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use Saturday’s Osun State governorship election as a clear demonstration of its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged INEC to ensure that the election is conducted in an orderly, transparent, free and fair manner that upholds the integrity of the electoral process.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
He specifically charged the Commission to treat the Osun poll as a critical test case: “INEC must use this last off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate to Nigerians their full preparedness for the 2027 polls.”
The people of Osun State will go to the polls on Saturday, August 15, 2026, to elect a new governor. Fifteen candidates are contesting the election.
President Tinubu also directed security agencies to guarantee the safety of voters, election officials and materials. “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,” he stated.
The President’s directive comes as INEC continues final preparations for the off-cycle governorship election, which is widely regarded as an important operational rehearsal ahead of the 2027 general elections.