By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Saturday, August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State is more than a contest for political power. It is an opportunity for more than two million registered voters to exercise what democracy ultimately means: the right to choose who governs them and the direction their state should take.

This according to The Policy Observatory, United Kingdom. In a message ahead of the election, the group said that the electorate's sovereignty must remain at the centre of the democratic process.

According to the organization in the statement made available to News Express via e-mail, INEC has registered 2,339,233 eligible voters across Osun's 30 local government areas, 332 wards and 3,763 polling units, with 14 political parties participating in the election.

With such a large electorate representing different interests, experiences and political aspirations, the statement stressed that the fundamental right to choose must be protected.

“That choice belongs to the people,” the Policy Observatory declared, warning that money, intimidation, violence, vote buying, political godfathers and the misuse of state institutions must not be allowed to interfere with the voters' decision.

The organisation argued that electoral authorities, security agencies, the courts and other institutions of state derive their legitimacy from the people and therefore have a responsibility to protect their freedom to choose rather than assist anyone in capturing political power.

It warned that when political actors use state resources, security structures or vulnerable citizens to subvert elections, the issue goes beyond partisan politics.

“Because the second is not democracy. It is domination,” the statement said.

The Policy Observatory further argued that the consequences of political choices extend far beyond election day, linking governance decisions to issues such as unemployment, poverty, healthcare, education, electricity, insecurity, housing and the broader business environment.

It therefore urged voters to assess candidates beyond party affiliation and consider their “character, worldview, values, competence, ideas and policies.”

The organisation also called on the media to look beyond reporting political statements and ask deeper questions about the kind of society political choices are producing.

“The media must keep asking: What kind of society are we building? What ideas are driving our politics? What will today's political choices mean for our children tomorrow?” it said.

The Policy Observatory also appealed to political actors to maintain civility, stressing that Nigerians who belong to opposing political parties should not be treated as enemies.

“Political competition should never become hatred. Nigerians are partners in the democratic journey,” the organisation said, describing the country as capable of navigating its challenges despite its political differences.

To voters, it said the election should be viewed as a personal opportunity to shape the future of their families and communities, urging them not to sell their votes or surrender their political choices to others.

“Your vote is your voice, your power and your opportunity to make a difference,” the statement said.

It added that politicians would remain fine regardless of whether they win or lose, while the consequences of electoral choices would ultimately be borne by citizens and their children.

The organisation therefore urged Osun voters to vote peacefully, freely and thoughtfully, insisting that the state belongs to its people.

“Osun, the ballot is yours. The choice is yours. The future is yours.”