Osun State Cancels 2026 Governorship Debate Over Security Concerns

A debate scheduled for August 1, 2024, in Osogbo to showcase the candidates for the Osun 2026 governorship election was abruptly cancelled. The event, to be held at Aurora Events and organized by Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM and Fresh FM, was expected to feature the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salaam, the Accord Party candidate Ademola Adeleke and the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Olajide Esen.

Organisers said the decision, allegedly prompted by the National Broadcasting Commission, was unanimous after “unfavourable security reports” and the reluctance of some leading candidates to participate. They stressed the cancellation was necessary to protect participants, journalists and the public. Stakeholders and residents expressed disappointment, noting the loss of an opportunity for voters to assess the candidates’ programmes before the August 15 election. Civil‑society commentator Jare Tiamiyu criticised the candidates for avoiding scrutiny, describing the move as a missed democratic engagement.