Group Urges Peace, Credible Polls Ahead of August 15 Osun Governorship Election

The Partnership for Ethical Governance has called on political parties, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and voters to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free governorship election in Osun State on August 15, 2026.

Speaking at a press conference themed “Safeguarding Democracy Through Peaceful, Credible and Violence-Free Elections,” the coalition stressed that elections should never become a source of violence, intimidation or loss of lives, warning that democracy can only thrive when citizens are free to vote without fear.

The group expressed concern over reports of politically motivated attacks, violent confrontations and intimidation in the buildup to the election, describing the trend as a threat to democratic participation and public confidence in the electoral process.

It urged residents of Osun State to come out peacefully on election day to exercise their constitutional right to vote, assuring them that elections should be an opportunity to determine leadership through the ballot rather than violence.

The coalition also appealed to political parties, particularly the APC, PDP, Accord Party and other contestants, to conduct issue-based campaigns and caution their supporters against hate speech, voter intimidation and other actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.

According to the group, no political ambition is worth the life of any citizen, urging young people not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence during the election.

The Partnership for Ethical Governance disclosed that it had engaged key security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to emphasise the need for professionalism and impartiality during the poll.

It commended the assurances received from the security agencies and urged them to ensure adequate protection for voters and polling units while responding swiftly and lawfully to any act of electoral violence or intimidation.

The coalition also charged INEC to uphold transparency, neutrality and professionalism by ensuring the timely deployment of personnel and election materials, seamless use of electoral technology, strict compliance with electoral guidelines and prompt collation and declaration of results.

It noted that the credibility of the Osun governorship election would significantly influence public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy, urging the electoral commission to deliver a process that reflects the genuine will of the electorate.

The group concluded by calling on all stakeholders to prioritise peace, democratic values and the collective interest of Osun State, expressing hope that the August 15 election would be remembered for credibility, maturity and the peaceful conduct of voters rather than violence and controversy.