Osun governorship debate cancelled over security concerns 

A governorship debate organised by four private radio stations ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election was cancelled on Saturday after organisers cited unfavourable security reports and the reluctance of some leading candidates to participate.

The debate, jointly organised by Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM and Fresh FM, was expected to feature the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji; the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam; the Accord Party; and the African Action Congress (AAC), represented by Olajide Esan.

However, only Esan was present at the venue before organisers announced the cancellation.

In a statement made available to journalists, the organisers said the decision was reached unanimously in the interest of public safety.

“The much-anticipated Osun 2026 Governorship Debate scheduled for today, Saturday, August 1, in Osogbo has been cancelled. 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 statement read.

According to the organisers, the cancellation became necessary to prevent any situation that could endanger participants, invited guests, media personnel and members of the public.

They added that the decision came amid reports of unrest in parts of Osun State, which heightened concerns about the security situation surrounding the event.

Despite the cancellation, Esan addressed those who had gathered at the venue, outlining his vision for the state before attendees dispersed.

Reacting to the development, the AAC candidate accused the APC, ADC and Accord Party candidates of deliberately boycotting the debate.

“The African Action Congress (AAC), Osun State Chapter, strongly condemns the decision of the gubernatorial candidates of the APC, Accord Party and ADC to boycott today’s governorship debate organised by reputable media organisations,” Esan said.

He described governorship debates as an essential democratic platform that allows candidates to present their programmes, defend their policies and respond to questions from journalists and voters.

“By refusing to participate, these parties have demonstrated an unwillingness to subject themselves to public scrutiny.

“In our view, their absence speaks volumes. It suggests they lack the courage, competence and preparedness required to govern Osun State. A candidate who cannot face the media and the electorate to explain his agenda cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the state,” he added.

The cancellation comes less than two weeks before Osun voters head to the polls, denying the electorate an opportunity to hear leading candidates debate their policies and programmes on a common platform.

The governorship election is scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026, with political parties intensifying campaigns across the state amid heightened security concerns.