As the people of Osun State go to the polls tomorrow to elect their Governor for the next four years, I call on every institution and every citizen involved in this election to play their part in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, free and fair process.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. Elections are contests of ideas and service, and should never cost the life of any Nigerian.

The Federal Government has taken the necessary measures to support a peaceful election. Our responsibility is to protect the process and the people. The decision belongs to the people of Osun State.

Whatever that decision may be, it must be respected.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria