By John Dike, Osogbo
The much-anticipated Osun 2026 Governorship Debate, scheduled to hold on Saturday in Osogbo, has been cancelled following security concerns and the reluctance of some of the leading governorship candidates to participate.
The debate, jointly organised by Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM and Fresh FM, was expected to bring together the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and the African Action Congress (AAC) to present their manifestoes and engage voters ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued by the organisers, the decision to cancel the debate was unanimously reached after reviewing unfavourable security reports and assessing the prevailing political atmosphere in the state.
According to the organisers, the move became necessary in the interest of public safety and to avoid exposing candidates, invited guests, media personnel, election observers and members of the public to unnecessary security risks.
“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 said.
The organisers noted that while extensive preparations had been made for the debate, safeguarding lives and property remained their overriding priority.
The cancellation comes amid reports of unrest in different parts of Osun State, raising fresh concerns over the security situation ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Political observers had described the debate as an important platform for voters to assess the programmes and policy directions of the candidates seeking to govern the state over the next four years.
The organisers expressed regret over the cancellation and thanked political parties, candidates, supporters, sponsors and members of the public for their understanding and continued support.
They assured that any future arrangements concerning the governorship debate would be communicated through the appropriate channels.
