The Kukah Centre has brought together key stakeholders in Osun State to address potential electoral challenges ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, calling for stronger collaboration to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
At a Stakeholders Validation Forum held in Ede, the Centre urged political parties and candidates to commit to a peace pact, stressing that mutual understanding and responsible conduct would be critical to maintaining stability before, during, and after the election.
Speaking at the event, Senior Programme Manager, Esrom Ajanya, said the forum was organised to review research findings, identify possible risks, and strengthen coordination among stakeholders.
Participants included officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), civil society groups, as well as traditional and religious leaders and members of the media.
Ajanya explained that similar engagements had been held across Osun’s three senatorial districts as part of efforts to improve preparedness ahead of the election.
According to him, the upcoming governorship poll is not just a state exercise but a major test of Nigeria’s democratic process, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
Findings presented at the forum showed some level of progress in compliance with electoral procedures, but also pointed to deeper structural concerns. These include issues around internal party democracy, transparency, and public trust in the system.
The report also highlighted a highly competitive political environment in the state, shaped by shifting alliances and growing political divisions. While the situation remains relatively stable, stakeholders warned that underlying tensions—such as local governance disputes, concerns about security neutrality, and informal political mobilisation—could pose risks if not properly managed.
The Centre’s Project Manager, Asabe Ndahi, noted that these challenges are not insurmountable but require timely and coordinated action from all parties involved.
Participants at the forum emphasised the need for early preventive measures, warning that electoral violence often stems from unresolved political and institutional issues.
They called for sustained collaboration, adherence to peace agreements, and responsible behaviour from political actors and their supporters to ensure a smooth and credible election process in Osun State.
