Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, a work-free day for government workers across the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
This was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina and shared to the public on Wednesday by the spokesperson to the state governor, Olawale Rasheed.
The circular explained that the decision was taken to enable workers who need to travel to do so and prepare to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the election.
According to the circular, all categories of workers are covered by the declaration, except those engaged in emergency and essential duties.
On his part, Adeleke urged Osun workers, their relatives and friends to turn out massively for the election and defend their votes to ensure continuity in the state.
The governor commended the leadership of organised labour and workers for their support for his administration.
He also described the relationship between his administration and Osun workers as mutually beneficial.
“The time for action has come. As formal workers at state establishments, I task you to mobilise informal workers, artisans and professional bodies,” Adeleke was quoted as saying.
He urged workers and other residents to remain firm in defending their constitutional rights, adding that the election provided an opportunity to sustain the achievements of his administration.
“We must remain strong in defence of our constitutional rights to vote and be voted for,” he said.
The governor further appealed to the electorate to protect what he described as the gains recorded by his administration over the past three and a half years.
“We must defend the gains of the last three and half years plus. Ours is a workers-friendly government which has delivered across board to labour and Osun people. We cannot and must not allow a return to dark days,” Adeleke said.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Among the prominent contenders are Governor Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Ademola Adeleke and Bola Oyebamiji
Earlier on Wednesday, the Nigeria Police Force issued a statement restraining the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from participating in the security arrangements for Saturday’s exercise.
It also warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process, stressing that anyone involved in violence, intimidation, thuggery or other electoral offences will face the full weight of the law.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
It said recurring electoral offences, including ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters, would not be tolerated during the election.
According to the Force, perpetrators and sponsors of such offences would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
The police stressed that election security remains the exclusive responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies.
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