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Opinion: OSUN 2026, The People’s Mandate and the Danger of Electoral Manipulation
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Opinion: OSUN 2026, The People’s Mandate and the Danger of Electoral Manipulation
As Osun State prepares for the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly vibrant and competitive. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), fourteen political parties have presented candidates to contest for the state’s highest office.
Among the contenders, the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, enters the race with what many observers consider a significant advantage derived from his administration’s performance over the past three and a half years. Across the state, visible expressions of public support continue to emerge, reflecting the strong connection the governor has built with the electorate through governance, infrastructure development, social interventions, and people-oriented policies.
However, the widespread acceptance and popularity enjoyed by Governor Adeleke have also generated intense political reactions from opposition elements. Reports of campaign billboards and promotional materials belonging to the governor being vandalized in different parts of the state have raised concerns among citizens and political stakeholders. Many residents maintain that political intolerance cannot erase the goodwill and support already established in the minds of the people.
Equally noteworthy is the prolonged crisis surrounding local government administration in the state. Many Osun citizens have expressed concerns that political disagreements at the grassroots level have negatively impacted local governance and service delivery. Rather than diminishing public support for the incumbent administration, many believe the situation has further strengthened public sympathy and support for Governor Adeleke.
With less than seventy days to the election, political realignments continue to shape the electoral landscape. Several influential political figures have reportedly left opposition parties to align with the Accord Party and support Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid. These developments have further intensified political discussions across the state.
A growing concern among political observers is the recurring narrative surrounding the alleged use of “federal might” to influence the outcome of the forthcoming election. Such discussions have become increasingly prominent within political circles and among the electorate. Recent administrative changes within INEC, including the redeployment of electoral officials, have also generated public debate and heightened scrutiny.
Osun State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically conscious and sophisticated states. The electorate is highly informed, politically active, and deeply interested in ensuring that democratic processes are conducted transparently. Consequently, every pre-election activity involving electoral institutions and security agencies is being closely monitored by citizens, civil society organizations, political parties, and the media.
There have also been concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the recruitment process for INEC ad hoc staff. Such allegations, whether substantiated or otherwise, underscore the importance of transparency, fairness, and public confidence in the electoral process. It is therefore imperative that INEC continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality.
As the election approaches, this serves as a patriotic appeal to INEC, security agencies, and all institutions involved in the conduct of the election to remain neutral and committed to the principles of democracy. The will of the people must remain supreme, and every vote must count.
The Osun governorship election carries significance beyond the state’s boundaries. As one of the major off-cycle elections preceding the 2027 General Elections, it presents another opportunity for Nigeria’s democratic institutions to demonstrate their commitment to free, fair, credible, and transparent elections.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to democratic governance and electoral integrity. The successful conduct of the recent off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State has further strengthened public confidence in the nation’s democratic process. It is therefore expected that all relevant institutions will build upon these achievements and ensure that Osun State is not an exception.
Similarly, political leaders across party lines must place the peace, stability, and democratic future of Osun State above partisan interests. Elections should be contests of ideas, policies, performance records, and vision—not instruments for creating tension or undermining the collective will of the electorate.
The people of Osun State are prepared to exercise their constitutional right to freely choose their next governor. Any attempt to subvert that democratic choice would not only undermine public trust but could also have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic development.
Ultimately, democracy thrives when the people’s mandate is respected. The forthcoming Osun governorship election must therefore stand as a testament to electoral integrity, democratic maturity, and the supremacy of the people’s will.
Mustapha Sikiru writes from Osogbo.
