Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called for a credible and transparent governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, stressing that the sanctity of the ballot must be protected as the state prepares for a politically significant contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the call on Monday while receiving members of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee at the Government House in Osogbo.

Addressing the visiting lawmakers, Adeleke described the forthcoming poll as a major democratic exercise, noting that the credibility of the process would send a strong signal about the strength and maturity of Nigeria’s democracy.

“Credible election is not optional but a compulsory process to safeguard the democratic system,” the governor said, adding that the outcome of the poll must reflect the true wishes of voters across the state.

He noted that the Osun governorship election is expected to attract both national and international attention, as it will be one of the last major electoral contests before the 2027 nationwide elections.

“For us in Osun State, August 15 is a critical phase for national democratic evolution. As the last major election before the general elections of 2027, Osun is in the eyes of the nation and the world,” he said.

Adeleke urged political actors, electoral officials and security agencies to work together to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process, stressing that protecting the ballot is essential to strengthening democratic culture and maintaining public trust in elections.

Beyond the upcoming election, the governor used the meeting to highlight some of the projects undertaken by his administration, saying the government has prioritised completing abandoned projects while initiating new ones across key sectors.

According to him, his administration has also taken steps to address inherited financial obligations, including unpaid salaries and pension arrears left by previous governments.

He further listed ongoing programmes in healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure and economic development, noting that the aim is to improve the living standards of residents across the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Jeremiah Umar, commended the level of development observed during the lawmakers’ visit to the state.

Umar said members of the delegation noticed several infrastructure projects while travelling through Osogbo and other parts of the state.

“When we were coming, we saw flyovers in different places in Osogbo and other towns. Opposite the State Government Secretariat, we also saw a dual carriageway under construction, which shows significant development activities,” he said.

He added that residents who interacted with the visiting lawmakers also spoke about improvements in public services, including the renovation of primary healthcare centres and progress recorded by state-owned universities.

According to him, such developments indicate that the state government is investing in sectors that directly impact the welfare and wellbeing of citizens.