President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged residents of Osun State to come out and exercise their franchise in Saturday’s governorship election, assuring them that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful poll.
Akpabio made the call on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Osogbo, the state capital, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The Senate President encouraged voters to cast their ballots for candidates of their choice, while urging them to make informed decisions.
“For the good people of Osun State, feel free to go out and exercise your franchise on Saturday. Feel free to go out and vote for the candidate of your party, the party of your choice.
“But my advice will be: choose wisely. Please, don’t feel intimidated. Social media is not the same thing as the polling unit. We are saying go to the polling units; you will not be molested,” he said.
Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters and ensure that residents could participate in the election without intimidation or harassment.
He said the security arrangements demonstrated the President’s commitment to democracy and democratic governance.
“The President is saying that he has put in place enough security for the good people of Osun State in general to vote peacefully come Saturday, 15th of August, 2026.
“Nobody is going to be harassed, and this is a pointer to the fact that he believes truly in democracy and democratic governance. He is not ready to allow any group of people to molest democracy or to molest any citizen,” Akpabio said.
The former Akwa Ibom governor also appealed to residents to remain calm and shun violence, particularly in response to provocative exchanges and comments on social media.
He urged voters to exercise restraint and maintain peace before, during and after the election.
“Even if you’re molested on social media, I think you should ensure restraint. Remain peaceful. Osun is going to have a very peaceful election. We don’t have need for violence; we are not violent,” he said.
Several senior APC leaders attended the rally, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin.
The APC rally came amid heightened political activity across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s election, which is expected to be closely contested.
Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is seeking a second term, while the APC’s Bola Oyebamiji is among the major contenders challenging him.
The campaign has been characterised by heightened political tensions and allegations of inflammatory rhetoric, prompting increased security preparations ahead of the poll.
More than 25,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed for the election, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says preparations are on course.
With 15 candidates on the ballot, voters across the state’s 30 local government areas will decide who governs Osun State for the next four years.
