Osun Governorship Debate Cancelled Over Candidates’ Absence, Security Concerns

A planned Osun governorship debate has been cancelled less than two weeks before the August 15 election, after organisers cited security concerns and reluctance by some leading candidates to attend.

The debate was scheduled for Saturday, August 1, in Osogbo. Daily Post reported that Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM and Fresh FM jointly organised the event, which was expected to give candidates a platform to present their programmes and answer public questions.

In a statement, the organisers said the decision was reached because of unfavourable security reports and the unwillingness of some major candidates to participate under the circumstances. They said public safety for participants, guests, journalists and residents remained the priority.

Vanguard reported that a separate online debate organised by BBC Yoruba on Friday evening was also not attended by Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party and Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress.

One candidate, Olajide Esan of the African Action Congress, was already at the venue before the cancellation. He criticised major parties for avoiding public scrutiny and urged voters to use the election to demand better leadership.

Residents and civic voices quoted after the cancellation said the development denied voters a chance to compare candidates before polling day. Some party supporters argued that their candidates were preparing for other debate platforms, but the cancelled event has still raised questions about candidate accountability in the final stretch of the campaign.

Sources: Vanguard and Daily Post.