The spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, has called for a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Osun State, describing the August 15 poll as a crucial test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Olajengbesi made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing following an advocacy visit to the Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah Centre, where he appealed to domestic and international stakeholders to closely monitor the election.
He said the Osun governorship election would serve as a major assessment of the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other institutions responsible for safeguarding the electoral process.
“The coming election in Osun State is important to Nigeria and important to the world. It is a major test of the integrity of INEC, the Inspector-General of Police, and our institutions to determine whether we are prepared to conduct free, fair, and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Olajengbesi urged the international community, civil society organisations, and election observers to pay close attention to the conduct of the poll to ensure that the will of the people prevails.
He alleged that the police command in Osun State had become compromised and accused the state Commissioner of Police of acting in a partisan manner. According to him, the campaign council had submitted a fresh complaint to the British High Commission over its concerns.
He also said the council had previously petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging insecurity and politically motivated violence in the state.
“People are being killed every day in Osun State,” Olajengbesi alleged, calling on the police authorities to remain neutral and guarantee the safety of voters throughout the election period.
He stressed that eligible voters must be allowed to freely elect the candidate of their choice without intimidation or interference.
Also speaking at the briefing, a representative of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers, Mr Olufemi Franklin, described the forthcoming election as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral stakeholders.
He said the government derives its legitimacy from the people and insisted that every eligible voter must be provided with a safe environment to exercise their franchise.
“The forthcoming election in Osun State is a litmus test that must assess the credibility and integrity of all stakeholders,” he said, urging INEC to remain impartial and the Inspector-General of Police to discharge his constitutional responsibilities professionally.
Franklin added that the election would provide an indication of Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections and called on the media to continue holding public institutions accountable through objective and fearless reporting.
The advocacy visit formed part of the Imole Campaign Council’s engagement with stakeholders ahead of the August 15 governorship election, which the council said should reflect the genuine choice of the people of Osun State.
