- Jane Salihu
The Electoral Hub has urged voters and political stakeholders in Osun State to reject violence, intimidation and vote trading ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, stressing that the credibility of the poll will depend largely on whether citizens are able to freely express their choice.
The call was contained in a pre-election statement issued on Friday by the Director of The Electoral Hub, Princess Abijah Hamman-Obels, who said the August 15 election provides Osun voters with another opportunity to shape the direction of governance and development in the state.
Hamman-Obels said the election, coming as an important test of Nigeria’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, must be conducted in a manner that allows every eligible voter to cast a ballot without fear or interference.
She noted that the pre-election environment had raised concerns over electoral security, citing 73 election-related violent incidents resulting in 29 deaths, with Osogbo identified as particularly affected and several local government areas requiring heightened security attention.
According to her, the security concerns should not discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process but should instead compel political actors, security agencies, electoral authorities and community leaders to take stronger preventive measures.
“No political ambition is worth a single life, and no electoral victory is worth silencing the people through fear,” Hamman-Obels stated, urging security agencies to protect voters, election officials, journalists, observers and other stakeholders before, during and after the election.
The Electoral Hub also raised concerns over the continued limited representation of women, youths and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in political leadership, noting that only four women are among the 15 governorship and 15 deputy governorship candidates on INEC’s final list for the election.q
Hamman-Obels called on political parties and other stakeholders to adopt deliberate measures that would create greater opportunities for women, youths and PWDs to participate not only as voters but also as candidates, party leaders, election officials and decision-makers.
She further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure timely deployment of personnel and materials, effective functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and strict adherence to procedures for accreditation, voting, counting and result collation.
The organisation also called on security agencies to remain neutral and professional, while urging political parties and candidates to shun the use of thugs and other forms of intimidation.
It urged all stakeholders to comply with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, INEC regulations and guidelines, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.
The Electoral Hub further appealed to candidates and political parties to accept credible election outcomes or seek redress through lawful channels, warning that electoral disagreements should not degenerate into violence or threats to public safety.
It encouraged voters to verify their polling information, participate peacefully, reject vote buying and inducement, and report electoral violations through appropriate channels.
The organisation said the ultimate test of the election would be whether the outcome genuinely reflects the freely expressed will of Osun voters.
It therefore called on political parties, candidates, INEC, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders and citizens to work together to make the election a celebration of democracy rather than a contest marked by violence.
“Come out peacefully. Vote. Protect your vote. Respect the votes of others,” the organisation urged, adding that the people of Osun should choose peace, integrity and democracy over violence, manipulation and division.
