OSOGBO, Osun State — The much-anticipated Osun 2026 Governorship Debate scheduled for today, Saturday, August 1, in Osogbo has been cancelled.
The organisers said the decision was unanimously reached following unfavourable security reports and the reluctance of some of the leading governorship candidates to participate under the prevailing circumstances.
The debate was jointly organised by Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM, and Fresh FM. It was expected to feature the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, African Democratic Congress, ADC, Accord Party, and the African Action Congress, AAC.
According to the organisers, the cancellation became necessary in the interest of public safety and to prevent any situation that could endanger participants, invited guests, media personnel, and members of the public.
“The decision was reached in the interest of public safety and to prevent any situation that could endanger participants, invited guests, media personnel, and members of the public,” the organisers said in a statement.
The development comes amid reports of unrest in different parts of Osun State in the buildup to the August 15 governorship election.
In recent weeks, political parties have raised allegations of attacks, arrests and intimidation of their members.
The Osun State Government had earlier raised alarm over alleged raids on the homes of top government officials, while the Accord Party accused some police officers of colluding with APC thugs to attack aides of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Security agencies and other stakeholders have since been calling for calm and urging political actors to reject violence before, during and after the poll.
The organisers have expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and members of the public for their understanding, assuring that any future arrangements regarding the debate will be communicated through the appropriate channels.
