Ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, major Nigerian newspapers are focusing heavily on the final campaign activities, with candidates stepping up their rhetoric while presenting their visions for the state.

The newspaper review programme, Today in the News, highlights the intense political contest as candidates seek to convince voters that they have the right programmes and leadership capacity to govern Osun.

With the election just days away, campaign messages have increasingly centred on development, security, economic opportunities, infrastructure and improved welfare for residents.

The contest has also been marked by heightened political tensions, with allegations and counter-allegations emerging among rival camps. Recent headlines have focused on concerns over possible violence, inflammatory statements and the need for political actors to respect the electoral process.

The major parties are urging their supporters to turn out and vote, while political leaders and civil society groups continue to call for a peaceful election.

As voters prepare to choose their next governor, the candidates’ promises and their ability to translate campaign pledges into practical policies are likely to remain central to the debate.

The Osun election is therefore shaping up as a closely watched contest, with the candidates making their final appeals and attempting to demonstrate why they deserve the mandate to lead the state.