…Says elections are contests of ideas and service, and should never cost the life of any Nigerian
President Bola Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that every lawful vote cast in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election is properly recorded.
Tinubu also called on security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials, stressing that no Nigerian should lose his or her life over an electoral contest.
The President made the call in a statement posted on his official X account on Friday, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
He urged all institutions and citizens involved in the election to contribute to a peaceful, transparent, free and fair electoral process.
Tinubu said he had directed the Inspector-General of Police and heads of other security agencies deployed for the election to ensure the safety 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,” he said.
The President stressed that voters must be able to exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or violence.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu charged INEC to conduct the election with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, insisting that every vote must count.
“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 him, the Osun election provides INEC with an opportunity to demonstrate its preparedness for the 2027 general elections and strengthen 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 said.
The President also appealed to residents of Osun to turn out peacefully and vote for candidates of their choice, while respecting the rights of other citizens to make their own choices.
“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.
Tinubu stressed that elections should be contests of ideas and service rather than occasions for violence.
“Elections are contests of ideas and service, and should never cost the life of any Nigerian,” he said.
He said the Federal Government had taken measures to support a peaceful election, adding that the responsibility of government was to protect both the electoral process and the people.
Tinubu further urged all stakeholders to respect the outcome of the election, regardless of which candidate emerges victorious.
“The decision belongs to the people of Osun State. Whatever that decision may be, it must be respected,” he said.
