Osun governorship election: Governor Adeleke invites EU to monitor August 15 poll

Osun governorship election: Governor Adeleke invites EU to monitor August 15 poll

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to the European Union (EU) to deploy an election observation mission for the forthcoming Osun governorship election, saying international monitoring will strengthen transparency, promote compliance with Nigeria’s electoral laws and boost public confidence in the democratic process.

The governor made the appeal while receiving the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Guschelbauer, at the Government House in Osogbo, as preparations intensify for the August 15 governorship election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant off-cycle elections ahead of the 2027 general election.

Adeleke said the European Union has built a strong reputation for promoting credible elections through its observation missions in democratic countries and expressed confidence that its presence in Osun would further enhance the credibility of the poll.

According to the governor, international observers play an important role in encouraging compliance with the Electoral Act, promoting transparency and reassuring voters that their votes will count.

“I urge the European Union to take special interest in the forthcoming Osun State election. The observer intervention of the European Union will strengthen compliance with democratic practices and the Electoral Act for a free and fair poll,” Adeleke said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible election, assuring residents, political parties and other stakeholders that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment for all participants in the electoral process.

He stressed that democracy can only flourish where elections are conducted fairly and peacefully, urging politicians and their supporters to avoid violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other actions capable of undermining the credibility of the election.

Adeleke also called on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and vigilant throughout the election period to guarantee the safety of voters, election officials and observers.

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The governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to respecting the outcome of a credible electoral process and ensuring that the will of the people of Osun State prevails.

Beyond electoral matters, Adeleke highlighted the state’s enormous investment potential, inviting Austrian investors and businesses to explore opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, solid minerals, technology, education, tourism and vocational training.

He said the Osun State Government has continued to implement reforms aimed at creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting both domestic and foreign investment, stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities for residents.

“We are ready to work with your country and Austrian businesses in exploring these opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity,” the governor said.

Responding, Austrian Ambassador Peter Guschelbauer reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to promoting democratic governance, credible elections and respect for the rule of law across partner countries.

The ambassador expressed optimism that the Osun governorship election would be conducted in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral laws and democratic principles, noting that the poll would receive considerable attention because it is the last major governorship election before the 2027 general election.

He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, respect the Electoral Act and avoid actions capable of threatening the stability of the state.

Guschelbauer also commended the Adeleke administration’s governance efforts and spoke about the longstanding cultural relationship between Austria and Osun State, particularly through the internationally recognised Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to him, Austria remains interested in supporting cultural preservation, tourism development and stronger economic cooperation with Osun State through partnerships with Austrian businesses and development institutions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 15 for the Osun governorship election, with 14 political parties expected to participate in the contest.

The election is expected to attract widespread national and international attention as political parties intensify campaigns to convince voters ahead of the poll.

Political observers believe the deployment of domestic and international election observers, combined with adequate security and strict adherence to the Electoral Act, will further strengthen the credibility, transparency and peaceful conduct of the election.

As political activities gather momentum, stakeholders have continued to urge all contestants to embrace issue-based campaigns and place the interest of the people above partisan considerations to ensure another successful democratic exercise in Osun State.

Osun governorship election: Governor Adeleke invites EU to monitor August 15 poll