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 arrangements have been put in place to ensure a peaceful poll.

Akpabio spoke on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

The Senate President urged voters to come out and vote for candidates of their choice, while advising them to make their decisions wisely.

“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.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has directed that adequate security be provided to enable residents to vote without intimidation or harassment.

“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 governor of Akwa Ibom also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid violence, particularly in response to provocative comments or exchanges on social media.

“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 figures, 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, among others, were at the rally

Osun governorship election

The APC rally came amid heightened political activity across Osun 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 his major challengers.

The campaign period has been marked by heightened political tensions and allegations of inflammatory rhetoric, prompting increased security preparations ahead of the poll.

More than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed for the election, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says preparations for the poll are on course.

With 15 candidates on the ballot, voters across the state’s 30 local government areas will determine who governs Osun for the next four years. (Channels TV)