The planned Osun State governorship debate ahead of the August 15 election has been cancelled after several leading candidates failed to attend the event.
The debate, organised by broadcast stations in the state under the Osun Media Governorship Debate platform, was scheduled to hold on Saturday, but organisers announced its cancellation, citing security concerns and the reluctance of major candidates to participate.
In a statement, the organisers explained that the decision became necessary because of an unfavourable security report and the absence of key governorship contenders.
“We regret to inform the general public that the Osun Governorship Debate earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 1, 2026 has been cancelled,” the organisers said.
“The decision has become necessary following the unfavourable security report and the reluctance of some of the leading governorship candidates to participate under the prevailing circumstances.”
The development comes barely a day after another online debate organised by BBC Yoruba was also boycotted by the candidates of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although the physical debate was eventually cancelled, the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Olajide Esan, had already arrived at the venue before learning of the organisers’ decision.
Reacting to the absence of the leading candidates, Esan accused them of avoiding public scrutiny and challenged Osun voters to support candidates willing to engage with the electorate.
“It is time the masses read between the lines, realise the power of their PVCs and choose leaders with capacity to end poverty rather than remaining in elite captivity,” he said.
With less than two weeks to the governorship election, concerns remain over the unwillingness of some major candidates to participate in public debates designed to help voters assess their policies and programmes.
