Stakeholders and concerned residents of Osun State have expressed worry over the inability of candidates in the August 15, 2026 governorship election to participate in a debate that would highlight their agenda ahead of the poll.

Our correspondent gathered that the people of the state had looked forward to the Osun 2026 Governorship Debate scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Osogbo. But, the organisers announced the cancellation of the debate owing to “security concerns and reluctance of candidates to participate.”

According to the organisers of the debate which comprise of some private media organisations in the state, 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 was to be jointly organised by Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM, and Fresh FM.

It was expected to feature the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress, African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, and the African Action Congress.

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.

However, the organisers expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and members of the public for their understanding, assuring that any future arrangements regarding the debate would be communicated through the appropriate channels.

Meanwhile, some residents of the state reacted differently to the development.

A media executive and civil society champion, Jare Tiamiyu, expressed displeasure at the failure of the candidates to partake in debate that would bring about the discussions of their plans and policies for the people they aspire to govern.

Taking to his social media handle, Tiamiyu wrote, “It’s highly unfortunate that leading governorship candidates in Osun are avoiding scrutiny. It’s obvious that they intentionally orchestrate and sustain crisis to cover discussion on their agenda. So sad!”

Another resident in the state by name, Mayowa, wrote under Tiamiyu’s post, “Well, my party governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), is preparing for a debate with an independent TV station, whose founder is not an appointee of Mr. President or any governor, and that’s Channels Television.

Rave FM, Fresh FM and Westerspring Television can invite AAC, SDP or Accord to their debate.”

AbdulAzeez Ismail, said it was disturbing that those who want to lead the state couldn’t face the people and make their plans known to them.