The Osun State governorship debate scheduled for Saturday was called off after the organisers cited security concerns and the unwillingness of some frontline candidates to participate.
The Punch reported that the debate, organised by four private radio stations, Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM and Fresh FM, was expected to bring together the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji; the African Democratic Congress, Najeem Salaam; the Accord Party; and the African Action Congress candidate, Olajide Esan.
However, when proceedings were due to begin, only Esan was present at the venue. The organisers subsequently announced the cancellation of the event.
Despite the cancellation, the AAC standard-bearer addressed those in attendance, outlining his plans for the state before the gathering dispersed.
In a statement made available to The PUNCH, the organisers explained that the decision to shelve the debate was based on security considerations and the prevailing circumstances.
“The much-anticipated Osun 2026 Governorship Debate scheduled for today, Saturday, the 1st of August, in Osogbo has been cancelled. The organisers say the decision was unanimously reached following unfavourable security reports and the reluctance of some of the leading governorship candidates to participate under the prevailing circumstances.
“The debate, jointly organised by Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM, and Fresh FM, was expected to feature the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and the African Action Congress (AAC).
“According to the organisers, the cancellation became necessary in the interest of public safety and to prevent any situation that could endanger participants, invited guests, media personnel, and members of the public. The development comes amid reports of unrest in different parts of Osun State, raising concerns over the security challenges that can affect the guests,” the statement read.
Responding to the development, Esan alleged that the candidates of the APC, ADC and Accord Party deliberately stayed away from the debate.
“The African Action Congress (AAC), Osun State Chapter, strongly condemns the decision of the gubernatorial candidates of the APC, Accord Party, and ADC to boycott today’s governorship debate organised by reputable media organisations.
“A governorship debate is a vital democratic platform where candidates present their vision, defend their policies, and answer questions from journalists and the people they seek to govern. By refusing to participate, these parties have demonstrated an unwillingness to subject themselves to public scrutiny.
“In our view, their absence speaks volumes. It suggests they lack the courage, competence, and preparedness required to govern Osun State. A candidate who cannot face the media and the electorate to explain his agenda cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the state,” Esan said.
