A governorship debate organised ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State election was cancelled on Saturday after organisers cited security concerns and the reluctance of some leading candidates to participate.

The event, jointly organised by Uniq FM, Rave FM, Diamond FM and Fresh FM, was scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. in Osogbo. It was expected to feature Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam, and African Action Congress candidate Olajide Esan.

However, Esan was reportedly the only candidate present at the venue when the cancellation was announced. Organisers said the decision was unanimously taken following unfavourable security reports and concerns that the safety of candidates, guests, journalists and members of the public could not be guaranteed.

The organisers also referred to the unwillingness of some prominent candidates to participate under the prevailing circumstances. As of Saturday night, no new date had been announced for the debate.

Following the cancellation, Esan addressed those gathered at the venue and accused Adeleke, Oyebamiji, and Salaam of avoiding public scrutiny. He argued that governorship debates provide voters with an opportunity to assess candidates’ policies, competence and readiness for office.

The AAC candidate subsequently urged Osun residents to carefully examine the records and programmes of all candidates before casting their ballots.

The development came a day after Adeleke and Oyebamiji were also absent from an online governorship debate organised by BBC Yoruba, raising further questions about the willingness of leading contenders to engage one another publicly before the election.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026.