Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called for a free, fair, and transparent governorship election in the state scheduled for August 15, stressing that the integrity of the electoral process must be safeguarded.

The governor made the appeal on Monday while hosting members of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee at the Government House in Osogbo during an official visit.

Speaking during the meeting, Adeleke described the upcoming election as a significant democratic exercise, not only for Osun State but also for Nigeria’s wider electoral system. He emphasised that protecting the sanctity of the ballot and ensuring that the will of the people prevails are vital steps toward strengthening democratic institutions in the country.

“Credible elections are not optional; they are essential for preserving our democratic system,” the governor said.

Adeleke noted that the Osun governorship poll is expected to attract both national and international attention, as it will be one of the final major elections before Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

“For us in Osun State, August 15 represents a crucial moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. As one of the last major elections before the 2027 general elections, the state will be under the watch of the nation and the international community,” he added.

The governor further urged all stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process reflects the genuine choice of the electorate through a credible and transparent voting process.

During the engagement, Adeleke also outlined some achievements of his administration, noting that the government has prioritised completing abandoned projects while initiating new developments across several sectors.

He explained that his administration has been tackling inherited financial liabilities, including unpaid salaries and pension arrears, while implementing programmes in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development.

Earlier, the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Jeremiah Umar, commended the state government for visible infrastructural development.

Umar noted that members of the delegation observed ongoing construction projects, including flyovers across parts of Osogbo and other towns, as well as a dual carriageway project opposite the State Government Secretariat.

He added that residents who interacted with the visiting lawmakers also spoke positively about improvements in public services, particularly the renovation of primary healthcare centres and progress recorded by state-owned universities.