Tinubu Finally Speaks on Ekiti and Osun Elections, Drops This Line About June 12

President Bola Tinubu today charged INEC and security agencies to ensure peaceful and credible elections in the upcoming Ekiti and Osun governorship polls. The Ekiti election holds on June 20 while Osun will go to the polls on August 15. In his June 12 nationwide broadcast, he said, quote: "In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible." A straight demand, no mincing words.

But the part that got me thinking was when he addressed the media and lawmakers directly. He said, "Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria." That line hit different because we all know how harsh the criticism has been on his policies especially the fuel subsidy removal and forex chaos. He is basically saying bring your objections but don't lose faith in the country. He also reminded us that June 12 taught us Nigeria cannot break. His exact words: "We bend, we bleed, but we do not break."

Now the real question is whether INEC and the security agencies will actually deliver on that charge. Ekiti people are voting in just eight days and we have seen how these things go in the past — accusations of rigging, voter intimidation, all that. Tinubu also told young people to stay and build here, not abandon ship. But with the current economic hardship, how many young people are convinced by that message? The June 12 spirit is strong but does it still move the needle when people are struggling to eat?