Fresh concerns have been raised over the timing of the 2026 Osun State governorship election following representations made to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, by traditional worshippers in the state.
The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State, TRWASO, has formally urged the electoral body to reconsider the August 8, 2026 election date, citing its proximity to the Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival.
According to the association, the globally recognised festival, which attracts thousands of visitors annually, has long-standing dates fixed through traditional and spiritual calculations that cannot be altered.
In a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman, TRWASO explained that activities for the festival would begin on July 27 and culminate on August 7, barely 24 hours before the scheduled poll.
The correspondence was jointly signed by the association’s President, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, and its Secretary, Chief Ifasola Onifade, and was made available to journalists in Osogbo on Tuesday.
The group noted that August 7 marks the grand finale of the festival, a day traditionally reserved for major rites and processions that often extend into the evening hours.
“We are aware that the governorship election in Osun State has been fixed for Saturday, August 8, 2026,” the letter stated.
“However, we respectfully request a shift in the date due to the Osun-Osogbo Festival holding the same week.”
TRWASO described the festival as Nigeria’s largest cultural gathering, adding that movement restrictions and crowd control measures are usually in place during the grand finale.
It warned that the influx of tourists, devotees and returnees from within and outside the country could complicate security arrangements ahead of the election.
“There are bound to be challenges enforcing restrictions of movement, given the volume of travellers and worshippers expected in the state,” the association said.
The group also expressed concern that political actors might exploit the large gatherings to instigate unrest in the buildup to the poll.
“Politicians may want to take advantage of the crowd to cause mayhem, considering the election comes immediately after the festival,” the letter added.
TRWASO stressed that safeguarding the sanctity of the festival was a constitutional and cultural right of its adherents.
To support its request, the association recalled the postponement of the 2015 presidential election, which was shifted on security grounds.
“We therefore seek a similar consideration in the interest of public safety and peaceful coexistence,” the letter added.
INEC had earlier fixed August 8, 2026 for the Osun governorship election, during which voters are expected to choose a successor to the incumbent administration.
