President Bola Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a transparent, secure, and peaceful gubernatorial election in Osun State on August 15, 2026. A total of 15 candidates are competing in the upcoming polls, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Hon. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). 

Emphasizing the significance of the exercise, the President called on the electorate to actively participate in the democratic process while maintaining peace. He highlighted that this off-cycle election serves as a crucial benchmark for INEC to exhibit full operational readiness ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections. Furthermore, security heads have been directed to deploy maximum protection at all polling units to ensure that voters and electoral personnel can execute their duties safely and without intimidation, ultimately ensuring that the election results accurately represent the will of the citizens.