EU, British Embassy Step Up Poll Watch Ahead Of 2026 Osun Guber

The European Union Election Observer Mission has confirmed it will monitor the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, while a delegation from the British Embassy is also expected in the state this week for pre-election engagements with stakeholders ahead of the August 15 poll.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo, the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Guschelbauer, said the European Union remained committed to promoting democratic values through the observation of credible elections.

According to him, the EU is interested in ensuring that the Osun governorship election is conducted in line with democratic norms and Nigeria’s electoral laws, describing the poll as an important precursor to the 2027 general elections.

“The European Union hopes to see the Osun election conducted in compliance with Nigerian national electoral laws, especially as the Osun polls is a prelude to Nigeria’s general elections to be held in 2027,” the ambassador said.

Guschelbauer, who was accompanied by the embassy’s political adviser, also commended the Adeleke administration for what he described as good governance and urged political actors to uphold the rules in the interest of peace, stability and national prosperity.

The ambassador further highlighted Austria’s longstanding cultural ties with Osun through the Osun-Osogbo Grove, expressing interest in cultural preservation, tourism exchanges and stronger business partnerships between Austrian and Osun-based companies.

Responding, Governor Adeleke welcomed the EU’s planned election observation, saying its presence would help reinforce public confidence in the electoral process.

“The observer intervention of the European Union will strengthen compliance with democratic practices and the Electoral Act for a free and fair poll,” Adeleke said.

He added: “Our government remains committed to free and fair elections as well as creating an enabling environment for investors and development partners. Osun State offers immense opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, education, technology, mining and vocational development. We are ready to work with your country and Austrian businesses in exploring these opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.”

The governor’s spokesman also disclosed that a British Embassy team is expected in Osun this week as part of its pre-election visits and consultations with stakeholders ahead of the governorship election.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Green Apple HK Nigeria Limited to deploy electric vehicles for government agencies, with plans to extend the initiative to public transportation.

Speaking while unveiling the first batch of electric motorbikes under the Imole Electric Motorbikes Initiative, Adeleke described the agreement as a significant milestone in the state’s drive towards sustainable transportation.

He said the initiative would reduce transportation costs and promote cleaner energy, adding that electric tricycles, cars and buses would soon become a reality in the state.

“Very soon, Osun will see tricycles running on electricity. You will see cars running on electricity. You will see buses running on electricity, right here in Osun State.

“This is what we are building for you: a future where you spend less on fuel, and keep more for your family, your children and your business,” the governor said.