Osogbo — The Partnership for Ethical Governance has called on all stakeholders to ensure that the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State is peaceful, credible and free from violence.
The coalition made the call on Wednesday at a press conference in Osogbo themed, “Safeguarding Democracy Through Peaceful, Credible and Violence-Free Elections.” It described the election as an important test for democracy in Osun State and Nigeria.
Addressing journalists, security chiefs, INEC officials, political party leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and civil society organisations, the group expressed concern over reports of politically motivated attacks, violent clashes and intimidation ahead of the poll.
“Elections are not wars. Political opponents are not enemies. Victory at the polls must never come at the cost of human misery, trauma and lives,” the coalition said, stressing that political violence had no place in a civilised society.
The Partnership urged registered voters not to be deterred by recent incidents of violence but to come out on August 15 and exercise their constitutional right to vote.
It said, “No one should ever have to choose between participating in democracy and preserving his or her life. Every voter should be able to approach the polling unit, cast a ballot freely and return home safely.”
The coalition also called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party and other participating political parties to demonstrate maturity and restrain their supporters.
It warned that no political ambition or office was worth the life of any citizen, noting that young people are often the victims of electoral violence while those who sponsor such violence rarely face its consequences.
“No politician’s ambition is greater than the value of human life. Protecting one’s future will always be more rewarding than sacrificing it for another person’s political ambition,” the group added.
On security, the coalition said it had engaged with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
While commending the security agencies for their assurances, it urged them to remain professional, impartial and firm in dealing with criminal activities at polling units.
The group also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain transparency and neutrality and ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act. It called for the timely deployment of personnel and election materials, effective use of electoral technology and prompt, transparent collation of results.
“Every valid vote must count, and every result declared must faithfully reflect the sovereign will of the electorate,” the coalition said.
The Partnership for Ethical Governance concluded by urging all stakeholders to put the interest of Osun State above partisan considerations.
“Let this election be remembered not for violence, bitterness or controversy, but for peace, maturity, credibility and the triumph of the democratic will of the people,” it said.
