Presidency Assures Neutrality ahead of Osun Election, Urges Parties to Seek Voters’ Support

Southwestechoes
News
21 June 2026

The Presidency has reportedly reiterated its commitment to maintaining neutrality ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, while urging political parties and candidates to focus on winning the support of voters through campaigns and grassroots engagement.

This is according to sources familiar with recent engagements between officials in Abuja and political stakeholders from Osun State.

According to the sources, a delegation allegedly linked to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State met with officials at the Presidency to discuss issues relating to the forthcoming election.

The delegation was reportedly advised to return to the state and intensify efforts to win the confidence of the electorate.

Sources claimed that the Presidency emphasized the need for a level playing field and reaffirmed its resolve not to interfere in the conduct of the election. The sources further alleged that officials in Abuja maintained that electoral and security institutions should be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities independently and professionally.

According to the reports, discussions within the Presidency centered on the political implications of any perceived interference in the electoral process. Sources claimed that concerns were raised by several senior officials over the potential consequences of actions that could undermine the credibility of the election or public confidence in democratic institutions.

It was also gathered that assessments presented during the discussions highlighted the prevailing political dynamics in Osun State ahead of the poll. The reports allegedly informed the position taken by officials advocating neutrality and non-interference.

Insiders further disclosed that members of the delegation were informed that security agencies would be expected to remain professional and impartial before, during, and after the election. According to the sources, there were also discussions regarding the conduct of security personnel in the state and the need to ensure public confidence in the electoral process.

One source familiar with the matter said:

“The emissaries were told to go home and campaign. The Osun team wants a standing directive to the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of DSS, the military High command and the Electoral commission to influence the election against that dancing governor.

“But the unanimous decision is that level playing should be maintained. Even the police will soon get a signal to be neutral.

“The intelligence assessment confirms the need for the presidency to stay away from meddling in the Osun matter.

Multiple reports from apolitical sources raised doubts on the chances of the Osun APC to defeat the incumbent.

“Apart from the public relation challenge so very close to the federal elections, that dancing Senator has already endorsed the president for re-election. He repeated the endorsement on every occasion.

“Our concern in Abuja is to get the president re-elected. That Adeleke is a president’s man who was even ready to join the APC but was blocked by our own people who are now seeking Baba’s help. Removing a popular governor who is in support of the president will amount to shooting ourselves in the leg.”

The source stressed that the prevailing view within the Presidency was that all political actors should seek electoral victory through lawful means and voter engagement.

Meanwhile, reports also suggested that APC stakeholders in Osun had recently held consultations regarding preparations for the forthcoming election. Sources claimed that one of the outcomes of the meeting was the decision to engage with officials at the federal level over issues relating to the conduct of the poll.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the Osun APC had publicly commented on the claims attributed to the sources. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have also not issued any official statement regarding the matter.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to be one of the most closely watched off-cycle elections in the country, with political parties intensifying preparations ahead of the vote.

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