Osun election: Whatever the decision may be, it must be respected — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has said that only Osun people can decide who will be their governor for the next four years and that their decision must be respected.
Tinubu said this in a statement ahead of Saturday’s election, urging residents to exercise their franchise without fear, intimidation or violence.
“As the people of Osun State go to the polls tomorrow to elect their Governor for the next four years, I call on every institution and every citizen involved in this election to play their part in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, free and fair process,” the President said.
He disclosed that he had directed the Inspector-General of Police and the heads of all security agencies deployed for the election to ensure the protection of voters, electoral officials and election materials.
“I have directed the Inspector-General of Police and the heads of all security agencies deployed for the election to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials and election materials,” Tinubu said.
“Every citizen must be able to exercise his or her right to vote without fear, intimidation or violence. There must be no room for anyone seeking to disrupt the process or undermine the peace of Osun State.”
The President also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election professionally and with integrity, stressing that every valid vote must be properly captured.
“I urge the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct the election with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Every vote must count. Every lawful vote must be properly recorded,” he said.
According to Tinubu, the Osun governorship poll, being the final off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections, provides an opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its preparedness and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
“With the 2027 general elections ahead, this final off-cycle governorship election is another opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its preparedness and strengthen public confidence in our electoral process,” he added.
Tinubu urged the people of Osun State to turn out in large numbers and vote for candidates of their choice while respecting the rights of other voters.
“To the people of Osun State, I ask you to come out in your numbers and exercise your civic responsibility peacefully. Vote for the candidate of your choice. Respect the rights of your fellow citizens to make their own choice,” he said.
The President described elections as contests of ideas and service, warning against violence and loss of lives during the exercise.
“Elections are contests of ideas and service, and should never cost the life of any Nigerian,” Tinubu said.
He assured the people of Osun State that the Federal Government had put measures in place to support a peaceful election.
“The Federal Government has taken the necessary measures to support a peaceful election. Our responsibility is to protect the process and the people. The decision belongs to the people of Osun State,” he said.
Tinubu urged all stakeholders to accept the outcome of the poll, regardless of the eventual winner.
“Whatever that decision may be, it must be respected,” the President said.
