Osun 2026: Governorship debate cancelled over candidates’ absence

A crucial governorship debate for the upcoming August 15 election in Osun State, Nigeria, has been cancelled, with organizers citing the "reluctance of governorship candidates" to participate. The debate, organized by broadcast stations under the aegis of Osun Media Governorship Debate, was scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026. However, it was called off after major candidates refused to show up.

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We regret to inform the general public that the Osun Governorship Debate earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 1, 2026 has been cancelled. The decision has become necessary following the unfavourable security report and the reluctance of some of the leading governorship candidates to participate under the prevailing circumstances.

This marks the second such cancellation, following a debate organized by BBC Yoruba Organization held online the previous Friday evening. Neither Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party nor the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, attended that event either. Organizers stated that an unfavorable security report also contributed to the decision to cancel the physical debate.

Mr. Olajide Esan of the African Action Congress, who was present at the venue before the cancellation, strongly criticized the Accord Party, APC, and ADC candidates for avoiding public scrutiny. He asserted that these parties have nothing new to offer the people of Osun State and were part of the existing problems. Esan urged the electorate to "read between the lines" and use their Permanent Voter's Cards (PVCs) to elect leaders capable of alleviating poverty, rather than remaining "in elite captivity."

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I want to tell the people of Osun State, Muslims, Christians and traditionalists that a vote for any of the parties dodging debate is a waste. They were all part of the problems confronting Osun and Nigeria today and are not here to solve any of our societal problems but to compound them.

The evasion of debates by leading candidates raises questions about their commitment to transparency and public engagement as the election approaches. Voters are left to consider the implications of candidates refusing to present their platforms and engage in public discourse, particularly in a state facing significant socio-economic challenges.

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It is time the masses read between the lines, realise the power of their PVCs and choose leaders with capacity to end poverty rather than remaining in elite captivity.