‘Protect the Ballot,’ Adeleke Urges Ahead of 2026 Osun Governorship Election

Governor of Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called for a credible and transparent governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

The governor emphasised that the sanctity of the ballot must be protected as the state prepares for what observers consider a politically significant election ahead of the 2027 general polls.

Adeleke made the call on Monday while receiving members of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives (Nigeria) at the Government House in Osogbo.

Addressing the visiting lawmakers, the governor described the forthcoming election as a major democratic exercise, noting that the credibility of the process would send a strong signal about the strength of Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, the outcome of the poll must reflect the true wishes of voters across the state.

“Credible election is not optional but a compulsory process to safeguard the democratic system,” Adeleke said.

He noted that the Osun governorship election would attract attention both within and outside the country, adding that it is expected to be one of the final major elections before the 2027 nationwide polls.

“For us in Osun State, August 15 is a critical phase for national democratic evolution. As the last major election before the general elections of 2027, Osun is in the eyes of the nation and the world,” he stated.

The governor urged political actors, electoral officials and security agencies to work together to ensure a peaceful and credible process, stressing that protecting the ballot is essential to deepening democratic culture and sustaining public confidence in elections.

Beyond the election, Adeleke highlighted key projects undertaken by his administration, noting that the government has prioritised the completion of abandoned projects while initiating new ones in strategic sectors.

He said efforts had also been made to address inherited financial obligations, including unpaid salaries and pension arrears left by previous administrations.

The governor further listed ongoing programmes in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and economic development, noting that the initiatives are aimed at improving the living standards of residents across the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Jeremiah Umar, commended the level of development observed during the delegation’s visit.

Umar said members of the committee noticed several infrastructure projects while travelling through Osogbo and other parts of the state.

“When we were coming, we saw flyovers in different places in Osogbo and other towns. Opposite the State Government Secretariat, we also saw a dual carriageway under construction, which shows significant development activities,” he said.

He added that residents who interacted with the lawmakers also spoke about improvements in public services, including the renovation of primary healthcare centres and progress recorded by state-owned universities.

According to him, the developments indicate that the state government is investing in critical sectors that directly affect the welfare of the people.