Tinubu neutrality election Osun State — Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke, the Because of Our Tomorrow Party (BOOT Party) gubernatorial candidate in the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, has commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining neutrality throughout the electoral process.
Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke said President Tinubu’s neutrality set the tone for the peaceful conduct of the election. He added that the President’s approach also influenced the conduct of security agencies and other law enforcement institutions deployed across Osun State.
According to him, the President’s neutrality filtered through the chain of command and encouraged security agencies to remain impartial. He said this allowed voters to exercise their franchise without widespread intimidation or unnecessary interference.
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Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke described the peaceful election as an important development for Nigeria’s democracy. He said the Osun election demonstrated the positive outcome that can emerge when political leaders allow democratic institutions to perform their duties without interference.
To underscore his position, Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke recalled the turbulent political events surrounding the 1983 election in the old Oyo State. He described the experience as a cautionary tale about the dangers of federal interference in state politics.
He said the events of that era showed how political interference from the centre can undermine public confidence and create tension around state elections.
Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke said the recent Osun election offered a sharp contrast to such experiences. He argued that Nigeria could strengthen its democratic institutions when the federal government maintains neutrality during state elections.
He also commended the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Barrister Oluwatoyin Babalola, for the conduct of electoral officials during the election.
The BOOT Party gubernatorial candidate praised the INEC team for its handling of voting and the collation of results. He said the officials demonstrated professionalism and transparency throughout the process.
Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke also commended the neutrality of the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, during the election.
According to him, the neutrality demonstrated by the INEC leadership strengthened confidence in the electoral process. He said it also created the right environment for officials in Osun State to perform their responsibilities without undue political pressure.
He maintained that credible elections require neutrality from every institution involved in the process. This, he said, includes the Presidency, security agencies, INEC officials and other stakeholders.
Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke said the conduct of security agencies and INEC officials reassured voters and other stakeholders. He added that transparent electoral processes remain essential to building public confidence in election results.
The BOOT Party candidate also acknowledged the contributions of several groups and individuals who helped promote peace before and during the election.
He specifically commended the Kukah Centre, Agba Osun, Osun State Leaders of Thought, religious leaders and all his royal fathers across Osun State for their roles in ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke particularly recognised the leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, for the significant role played by traditional rulers in promoting peace and stability across the state.
He described the contributions of the traditional institution, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders as invaluable to the peaceful atmosphere witnessed during the election.
He said their collective efforts helped encourage political tolerance, dialogue and peaceful participation among citizens.
Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke noted that the peaceful conduct of the election carried particular significance for Osun State. He said the state has witnessed highly contested elections in the past, making neutrality and stakeholder engagement especially important.
He argued that elections should not become battles between political interests and state institutions. Instead, institutions should remain focused on protecting voters and ensuring that every legitimate vote receives due consideration.
The BOOT Party gubernatorial candidate further said the Osun election could provide a useful reference point for future elections across Nigeria.
He acknowledged that political parties may disagree over electoral outcomes. However, he said such disagreements should remain within constitutional and legal channels.
According to him, the neutrality of the federal government creates the right environment for security agencies and electoral institutions to remain impartial.
He stressed that the events in Osun demonstrated the importance of neutrality from the highest level of government.
Ultimately, Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke said the peaceful nature of the August 15 election reflected the combined efforts of the Presidency, security agencies, INEC and other stakeholders.
He concluded that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s neutrality helped ensure the neutrality of law enforcement agencies and contributed to the neutrality of INEC, thereby creating an environment for a peaceful and orderly election in Osun State.
He also stressed that the efforts of the Kukah Centre, Agba Osun, Osun State Leaders of Thought, religious leaders and traditional rulers under the leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, contributed significantly to the peaceful outcome.
Prince Adesoji Masilo Adeleke said the experience should serve as a model for future elections, stressing that when political leadership remains neutral and institutions perform their duties impartially, citizens can participate in elections with greater confidence, peace and dignity.
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