Osun 2026: Babatunde Calls for Issue-Based Campaign, Warns Youths Against Violence

On Thursday, a public affairs analyst and advocate of good governance, Oluwatosin Babatunde, called on politicians preparing for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than divisive rhetoric and political hostility.
Babatunde made the call while featuring on a Yoruba newspaper review and analysis programme titled Agbekale Iroyin on Diamond FM, Ilesa, Osun State
Speaking during the programme, he urged political actors to place the interest of the people above personal ambitions and ensure that their campaigns are centred on policies that would improve governance and development in the state.
According to him, the forthcoming election should be an opportunity for candidates to present clear plans and programmes that address the needs of the people rather than engaging in campaigns capable of heating up the political atmosphere.
He also appealed to youths in the state to resist being used as instruments of violence by desperate politicians.
Babatunde warned that involvement in electoral violence could have lasting consequences on the future of young people and the stability of the state.
“The youths must understand that they are the future leaders. They should not allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause violence before, during, or after the election,” he said.
He further stressed that peaceful participation and political maturity among stakeholders would help ensure a credible and transparent electoral process.
The analyst therefore called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to promote tolerance, respect opposing views, and embrace democratic values as the state prepares for the 2026 governorship election.