Osun Governorship Debate Cancelled Over Security Concerns

By Omidiran Seun

The Osun State 2026 Governorship Debate scheduled for Saturday, August 1, in Osogbo has been cancelled.

Organisers of the debate which includes Unique FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM, and Fresh FM said the decision was taken unanimously following unfavourable security reports and the unwillingness of some leading candidates to participate under the prevailing circumstances.

The debate was expected to feature candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and the African Action Congress (AAC).

Reacting to the cancellation, the AAC governorship candidate, Oladeji Esan, restated his party’s commitment to people-centred governance.

Esan took a swipe at Nigeria’s political class, accusing politicians of profiting from the nation’s problems rather than solving them.

“It is time we woke up to the reality that politicians and career criminals occupying political offices have continued to exploit the very problems they created. Those who benefit from our problems cannot offer us lasting solutions,” he said.

He said genuine leadership must be rooted in direct engagement with the people.

“If you truly want to serve the people, you should be able to engage with those you are promising to serve. That is what responsible leadership is all about,” Esan added.

Describing the AAC as Nigeria’s only ideology-driven party, Esan said his administration, if elected, would mobilise young people, promote accountability, and return power to the citizens.

“Our plan is to give governance back to the people and ensure that the people of Osun are truly in charge of the leadership of the state, rather than allowing a few individuals to run the state as though it were their personal property,” he stated.

He urged Osun voters to embrace what he called a credible alternative that would deliver transparent and people-oriented governance.