President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State is free, fair and credible.
The president’s call comes as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the closely watched poll, which is expected to determine who will govern the state for the next four years.
President Tinubu urged INEC to maintain strict neutrality and ensure that every eligible voter is given the opportunity to cast their ballot without intimidation or interference.
He also stressed the importance of transparency throughout the electoral process, saying the credibility of the election would depend largely on the commission’s ability to uphold the rules and safeguard the integrity of the vote.
The election has attracted significant national attention, with the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) among the major parties seeking victory.
Political parties and their supporters have stepped up mobilisation across the state, while security agencies have also been placed on alert to prevent violence and other disruptions before, during and after voting.
INEC has repeatedly assured voters and political stakeholders that adequate measures are in place to conduct a credible election.
The outcome of Saturday’s poll is expected to have wider political implications, particularly as Nigeria’s major political parties position themselves ahead of future elections.
With voting day approaching, attention is now firmly focused on INEC, security agencies, political parties and voters to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully and that the final result reflects the will of the people of Osun State.
