Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has emphasised the need for a free, fair, credible, and transparent governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, describing it as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic maturity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor made the call on Monday while receiving members of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives at the Government House in Osogbo.
Adeleke stressed that protecting the sanctity of the ballot is non-negotiable and essential to preserving public trust in the electoral process.
“Credible election is not optional but a compulsory process to safeguard the democratic system,” he stated.
He noted that the Osun governorship poll would attract significant national and international attention as one of the last major off-cycle 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,” the governor said.
Adeleke urged all political actors, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and civil society to collaborate in ensuring a peaceful, violence-free, and result-reflective exercise that truly mirrors the will of Osun voters.
He reiterated that the credibility of the election would send a powerful message about the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s democracy.
Beyond the electoral focus, Governor Adeleke used the occasion to highlight key achievements of his administration, particularly the completion of abandoned projects inherited from previous governments and the initiation of new ones across critical sectors.
He listed ongoing interventions in:
Health (renovation of primary healthcare centres)
Education (progress at state-owned universities)
Agriculture
Infrastructure (roads, flyovers, and dual carriageways)
Economic development
The governor also addressed inherited financial burdens, including unpaid salaries and pension arrears, noting that his administration has taken deliberate steps to clear legacy obligations and improve fiscal management.
Earlier, the Deputy Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Jeremiah Umar, commended the visible level of development in Osun State.
During their journey through Osogbo and other areas, committee members observed multiple flyovers, a dual carriageway under construction opposite the State Government Secretariat, and other infrastructure projects.
“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,” Umar said.
He added that interactions with residents revealed satisfaction with improvements in public services, including healthcare facility upgrades and educational advancements.
The lawmaker described the developments as evidence of the state government’s commitment to investing in sectors that directly impact citizens’ welfare and quality of life.
The visit by the House committee underscores ongoing oversight of state-level public finance and project execution, while Governor Adeleke’s remarks highlight the dual focus on electoral integrity and sustained governance performance as Osun prepares for a politically significant off-cycle election in 2026.
