President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to demonstrate its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu made the call in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, as Osun voters prepare to elect their next governor.

Tinubu Sets Election Expectations

The President urged INEC to conduct the election in an orderly, transparent, free and fair manner while protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

“INEC must use this last off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate to Nigerians their full preparedness for the 2027 polls,” Tinubu said.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that voters can freely exercise their rights without interference or disruption.

Security Agencies Directed to Act

Tinubu also directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies deployed for the election to provide maximum security at polling units and other critical locations.

He called on Osun residents to participate peacefully and perform their civic duties without actions capable of disrupting the poll.

The call comes amid heightened political tension in the state, with security agencies increasing preparations ahead of election day.

Osun Election Holds Saturday

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, with 15 candidates contesting the poll.

The election is the final off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections, making its conduct a significant test of Nigeria’s electoral and security preparations.

The Osun governorship election 2026 will also provide an early test of INEC’s 2027 election preparedness as political parties and voters prepare for the next general election.