Ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, the two leading candidates – Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord Party and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – have been commended for demonstrating political maturity and statesmanship during the recent funeral ceremonies of the late mother of the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, amid rising tension in the state.

Meanwhile, the Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the campaign organisation of Governor Adeleke, has called on the United Kingdom, international observer missions and civil society organisations to closely monitor the election, describing the poll as a crucial test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general election.

Similarly, Yiaga Africa has raised concerns over alleged voter inducement and growing tension ahead of the election, warning that such practices could undermine the credibility of the poll.

The Osun Development Association (ODA), in a statement on Friday, said the cordial interaction between leaders of different political parties was a reassuring signal that political competition in Osun State need not come at the expense of peace, mutual respect, civility and our shared values as a people.

The statement released by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Adetayo, noted that the gesture aligns perfectly with the objectives of the recently concluded Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit, organised by the association, where political leaders and other critical stakeholders collectively pledged to promote peaceful electioneering, issue-based campaigns and democratic engagement devoid of violence.

The statement quoted the Chairman of ODA, Dr. Segun Aina, as saying, “this is exactly the kind of leadership our people expect to see. Political parties may differ in ideology and contest vigorously for votes, but they must never lose sight of our common humanity or the collective interest of Osun State. Respect across political divides is a hallmark of a mature democracy and an essential ingredient for peaceful elections.”

Aina expressed the hope that the spirit demonstrated at the funeral would become the defining culture of the forthcoming governorship election, with candidates, party leaders and supporters conducting themselves with restraint, dignity and respect for one another.

He further urged all political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation and actions capable of heightening tensions.

flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji Bola Oyebamiji

Aina noted: “Elections should be contests of ideas, competence and vision, and not contests of hostility or violence. The images witnessed at the funeral are a reminder that, despite political differences, we remain one people with a shared responsibility to preserve the peace and stability of our dear state.”

The ODA chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to sustain dialogue, promote civic responsibility and encourage peaceful participation throughout the electoral process.

“As we move towards the 2026 governorship election, every action that promotes unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence strengthens our democracy. The conduct displayed by Governor Ademola Adeleke and Senator Ajibola Basiru deserves commendation and should serve as an example to all political actors. ODA will continue to champion initiatives that encourage dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful democratic engagement for the benefit of all the people of Osun State.”

The association reiterated that the peace, stability and development of Osun State remain a collective responsibility and called on all citizens to continue supporting initiatives that foster harmony before, during and after the elections.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday after submitting a petition to the British High Commission, the campaign organisation of Governor Adeleke alleged that the Nigeria Police Force in Osun State had become compromised.

The spokesperson for the campaign council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, urged the international community to ensure that the election is conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.

According to him, the Osun governorship election is not only significant to the people of the state, but also to Nigeria’s democratic credentials.

Olajengbesi said the campaign council had submitted what he described as a second petition to the British High Commission to express concerns over the conduct of security agencies in the state, particularly the police.

He said: “The coming election in Osun State is important to Nigeria and the entire world. It is a major test of the integrity of INEC, a major test of the integrity of the Inspector-General of Police and, beyond that, a major test of the integrity of our institutions to know if we are prepared enough to conduct free, fair and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election.

“We are very concerned because the police in Osun State are completely compromised. The current Commissioner of Police is acting in a partisan manner and working for a political party. This should not be happening in a country that prides itself as a democracy,” he alleged.

Olajengbesi appealed to the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and international observers to ensure that voters are allowed to freely elect the candidate of their choice without intimidation or interference.

He urged the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy the state Commissioner of Police ahead of the election, alleging that the Police Command had failed to respond appropriately to incidents of political violence in the state.

According to him, several killings and attacks allegedly linked to political violence had not been properly investigated, while individuals accused of perpetrating the violence had not been arrested.

He also alleged that some persons had recently taken over motor parks in the state in an attempt to control logistics for election materials, accusing the police of failing to intervene.

“We are not asking anyone to favour Governor Ademola Adeleke. We are simply asking that the election be conducted in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act so that the people can freely choose their governor,” he added.

Similarly, Yiaga Africa has called for transparency in managing the processes leading to the elections, noting that voter inducement could mar the credibility of the poll.

Speaking at a Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Media Engagement ahead of the election, a member of the Board of Yiaga Africa, Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu, alleged that reports of cash transfers of about N10,000 to prospective voters had already emerged.

According to him, the pre-election observation, which Yiaga released, was important to scan the pre-election environment, the election day itself and the post-election processes.

“Every election comes with its own dynamics. Broadly speaking, one of the most visible issues is already the issue of voter inducement. You are already seeing issues around cash transfers of almost N10,000 naira ahead of this election.

“You can explain it whichever way you want to explain it, but the truth of the matter is that once you corrupt the electoral process through whether they are charitable philanthropic gifts that are meant to persuade voters in a different direction, you are already making that election not to be credible,” he said.

On rising tension, he said the issues of political violence issues that were reoccurring is something that should concern stakeholders.

“Most of the electorate in Osun State are already worried and concerned, not just in Osun State. Even outside the state, people are thinking that it’s going to be an Armageddon, but I think Osun voters and Osun stakeholders must disappoint those who think that this election will be violent. And that can happen if there is collective effort to make sure that doesn’t happen,” he said.

Reacting to the rising tension in the state, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Oluomo Alimi, warned against the deployment of thugs, social miscreants and unruly youths to upset innocent people. He advised residents to report any anomalous behaviour by any person or group of people to security agents no matter the party or personality involved. (Guardian)

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