Osun 2026: Traditionalists urge shift in election day
Concerns Raised Over Scheduling of Osun State Governorship Election
OSOGBO, Nigeria — Fresh apprehensions have emerged regarding the timing of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State following a formal appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from local traditional worshippers.
The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State (TRWASO) has requested that INEC reconsider the election date, currently set for August 8, 2026. The association argues that the chosen date closely coincides with the Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival, a significant event that attracts thousands each year.
TRWASO, in a letter dated January 20, 2026, to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, noted that festival activities typically commence on July 27 and culminate with a grand finale on August 7, just one day before the elections. The letter was jointly signed by the association’s President, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, and Secretary Chief Ifasola Onifade, and was subsequently shared with the media on Tuesday.
The letter emphasized that August 7 is dedicated to major rites and processions that often carry on into the evening. “While we acknowledge the scheduled date for the governorship election, we respectfully request a change due to the coinciding Osun-Osogbo Festival,” the letter stated.
TRWASO characterized the festival as Nigeria’s largest cultural gathering, expressing concerns that crowd control measures and mobility restrictions would be put in place during the festival’s finale. The association cautioned that the influx of tourists, devotees, and returning residents from both domestic and international locations could complicate security arrangements ahead of the election.
“There are bound to be challenges enforcing movement restrictions, given the volume of travelers and worshippers expected in the state,” the letter added.
Additionally, TRWASO raised concerns that political actors might exploit the large gatherings to incite unrest in the lead-up to the election. “Politicians may want to take advantage of the crowd to cause mayhem, considering the election follows immediately after the festival,” the association warned.
The letter underscored the importance of preserving the sanctity of the festival, describing it as a constitutional and cultural right of its adherents. In support of their appeal, TRWASO referenced the postponement of the 2015 presidential election, which occurred for security reasons.
“We therefore seek a similar consideration in the interest of public safety and peaceful coexistence,” the letter concluded.
INEC scheduled August 8, 2026, for the Osun governorship election, during which voters will elect a successor to the current administration.
