Osun election must be free, fair, credible – Tinubu charges INEC, security agencies

President Bola Tinubu has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that the Osun State governorship election is conducted peacefully, transparently and in accordance with the law.

Tinubu gave the directive ahead of the governorship poll, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, urging all institutions involved in the exercise to maintain professionalism and impartiality.

The President stressed the importance of allowing voters to freely exercise their franchise without intimidation, harassment or interference.

He also urged security personnel deployed for the election to protect voters, electoral officials, political parties, journalists and other stakeholders while remaining neutral in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Tinubu called on INEC to ensure that all procedures governing the election are strictly followed and that every valid vote is properly protected and counted.

The President further appealed to political parties and candidates to accept the outcome of the election in the interest of peace and democracy, while encouraging them to pursue any grievances through lawful channels.

He warned against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process, including violence, intimidation, vote buying and other forms of electoral malpractice.

Tinubu maintained that the credibility of the Osun election would depend on the collective responsibility of INEC, security agencies, political actors and voters to uphold the law.

He urged residents of the state to come out peacefully and participate in the election, assuring them that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the integrity of the democratic process.