Tinubu Demands Credible June Elections in Ekiti, Osun — INEC Responds

June 16, 2026 3 min read

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission and Nigeria's security agencies to ensure that upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are conducted freely, fairly, and without intimidation. The directive comes as the June election dates approach, with both states preparing to elect new governors amid heightened political tension.

Presidential Directive Issued

Tinubu delivered the charge during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Senior government officials confirmed the meeting brought together INEC Chairman, security chiefs, and senior aides responsible for election monitoring. The President emphasised that the credibility of the electoral process remains non-negotiable for his administration.

Authorities present at the meeting included representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army. Tinubu reportedly told attendees that any attempt to undermine the will of the people would be met with the full weight of the law.

Why Ekiti and Osun Elections Matter

The two states represent significant political territory for both the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties. Ekiti, located in the South-West region, has a history of closely contested governorship races. Osun, its neighbour, follows a similar pattern of competitive politics that often draws national attention.

Local political analysts have noted that the outcomes in both states could reshape the regional balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections. Incumbent governors in both states are serving their second terms, meaning both positions will be open to new candidates from various political parties.

Security Concerns and Voter Protection

Beyond the electoral logistics, Tinubu specifically instructed security agencies to deploy adequate personnel to polling units across both states. Ekiti has 2,195 polling units spread across its 16 local government areas, while Osun contains a comparable number distributed across its 30 LGAs.

The President called for visible security presence before, during, and after the election periods. Security sources indicated that joint operations would commence two weeks before the election dates to deter any potential disruption campaigns.

INEC's Preparatory Status

INEC officials have been conducting voter registration exercises and updating voter rolls in preparation for the polls. Commission representatives stated that logistics for ballot distribution and collation have been finalised for both states. The electoral body confirmed that electronic voting devices would be deployed at designated centres to ensure transparency in result transmission.

The commission also outlined plans to recruit and train ad hoc staff needed for the elections. Training sessions began in April across selected local government areas in both states.

Political Parties and Candidate Readiness

Major political parties have begun finalising their campaign structures ahead of the official campaign period. The APC, PDP, and several smaller parties are expected to field candidates in both states. Observers note that the competition in these South-West states typically draws significant campaign resources and national media coverage.

Opposition parties have welcomed the President's directive but indicated they will be monitoring the process closely. Party officials stressed that their supporters would be mobilised to guard against alleged manipulation attempts.

What Citizens Should Watch

For ordinary voters in Ekiti and Osun, the coming weeks will determine whether their votes will count without interference. The President's charge signals that the federal government expects a clean process, but local communities remain cautious based on past electoral experiences.

Voters in both states should verify their registration status with INEC local offices before the deadlines. Campaign activities are expected to intensify following the official commencement date, with rallies and town halls scheduled across major cities including Ado-Ekiti, Osogbo, and Ilesa.

The June election dates remain the critical timeline to watch. INEC has set a two-week window for campaign activities before the polling days. Any breach of the electoral code during this period will be investigated by the commission's monitoring team.