Osun Governorship Debate Cancelled Over Security Concerns

The Osun State governorship debate, organized by Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM, and Fresh FM, was cancelled on August 1 after the organizers cited unfavorable security reports and the reluctance of some leading candidates to participate. The debate was set to feature Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress, and a candidate from the Accord Party, but only Olajide Esan of the African Action Congress was present at the venue.

Following the cancellation, Esan addressed the audience, expressing his ambition to govern the state. The organizers stated that the decision was made in the interest of public safety amid reports of unrest in Osun State.

Esan condemned the absence of the other candidates, accusing them of deliberately boycotting the debate and demonstrating an unwillingness to face public scrutiny, which he argued reflects a lack of preparedness to govern.