OSOGBO — Civil society organisations across Osun State have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to guarantee a free, fair, and violence-free governorship election on June 20, 2026. The groups made the demand at a stakeholders forum held in Osogbo on Monday.
Coalition for Transparent Elections Osun (CTEO) Coordinator Yetunde Adesanya said communities across the state are anxious about the security situation ahead of the governorship contest. She said past elections in Osun have been marred by violence, vote buying, and intimidation that have undermined voter confidence.
“Osun voters are ready to exercise their rights. What they need is assurance that they will be safe and that their votes will count. INEC and the security agencies must demonstrate that commitment through their deployments and their conduct on election day,” Adesanya said.
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INEC Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner Olusegun Agbaje said the commission is fully prepared for the June 20 election. He said BVAS machines have been tested, voter education campaigns are ongoing, and election materials are being procured. He assured voters that the commission will deliver a credible exercise.
Governor Adeleke’s Re-Election Bid
The June 20 election pits incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP against APC candidate Dr. Olajide Awe, among others. Adeleke, who is the uncle of Afrobeats star Davido, was elected in November 2022 in a contest that went to the Supreme Court before his victory was confirmed.
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Adeleke’s governorship has been marked by significant controversy. His administration’s handling of chieftaincy matters, including the Akirun of Ikirun dispute, has attracted legal challenges. His political allies, including several state assembly lawmakers, have been active in mobilising support for his re-election bid.
However, the APC and other opposition parties in Osun say they are confident of defeating Adeleke at the polls. They point to what they describe as governance failures during his first term and say Osun voters are ready for change.
Campaign Funding Concerns
A lawmaker’s donation of 10 buses and 150 motorcycles for Adeleke’s re-election campaign has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. They said such donations blur the line between state resources and political campaigning and raise questions about the use of public office for electoral advantage.
INEC said it is monitoring campaign funding and expenditure across all parties in Osun. The commission said it will enforce spending limits and take action against parties that violate campaign finance regulations.
The Osun governorship election is one of the first major electoral tests of 2026. Its conduct and outcome will be closely watched as an indicator of how Nigerian elections are likely to function in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
