By Isa Isawade

A coalition of pro-democracy groups and civil society organisations under the banner of THE PARTNERSHIP FOR ETHICAL GOVERNANCE has warned all political players in Osun to end violence and ensure that electorate exercise their franchise freely on August 15.

The warning was issued on Wednesday during a press conference convened ahead of the Osun governorship election by the coalition at the Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo with the theme: Safeguarding Democracy Through Peaceful, Credible and Violence-Free Elections.

The paper at the conference was delivered by the renowned anti-corruption advocate who is the Head of the Coalition, Comrade Debo Adeniran.

The coalition said: “As the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election approaches, OUR PARTNERSHIP, a coalition of advocates committed to good governance, democratic accountability, electoral integrity and the rule of law, considers it a sacred responsibility to address all stakeholders whose actions and decisions will determine whether this election strengthens our democracy or weakens it.

“The essence of democracy is to give the people the freedom to choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence. Elections are not wars. Political opponents are not enemies. Victory at the polls must never come at the cost of human misery, pains, trauma and lives.

“Unfortunately, the weeks leading to this election have witnessed disturbing reports of politically motivated attacks, violent confrontations and acts of intimidation. These developments are deeply troubling and deserve the strongest condemnation in all ramifications.

“Political violence has no place in any civilised society. It discourages participation, suppresses voter confidence, undermines public trust in democratic institutions and leaves behind painful consequences that endure long after elections have been concluded. Every citizen must be able to leave home on election day with the confidence that they will return safely after exercising their constitutional right to vote. No one should ever have to choose between participating in democracy and preserving his or her life. We therefore call on every stakeholder to recognise that peace is not merely desirable, it is indispensable.”

The coalition reminded the electorate that the forthcoming governorship election belongs to every eligible citizen of the state, adding that, “It is an opportunity for the people to peacefully exercise their constitutional right to choose those who will govern them over the next four years.

“We therefore encourage every registered voter to come out on August 15, 2026, and participate in the electoral process with confidence, civility and a commitment to peace.”

The group decried the recent spate of election-related violence in the state and warned that it must not be allowed to diminish participation and destroy democracy.

“The recent incidents of politically motivated violence must not define our electoral culture or diminish public participation. Democracy thrives when citizens freely express their choices through the ballot, not when fear, intimidation or violence discourage legitimate participation. Every voter should be able to approach the polling unit, cast a ballot freely and return home safely, knowing that the institutions responsible for the conduct and security of the election are fully committed to protecting lives, maintaining public order and sanctity of the ballot box

“As citizens, we all have a collective responsibility to preserve the peace that has long characterised our communities. Elections are temporary, but the unity, stability and development of our state are enduring values that must be protected by all,” it said.

The group called on political leaders in the state, particularly leaders of “the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Accord Party (ACCORD), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and indeed every political party participating in this election to demonstrate leadership that reflects political maturity and respect for democratic values.

“The conduct of party leaders before, during and after the election will significantly influence the behaviour of their supporters, making it imperative that they consistently preach restraint, reject inflammatory rhetoric and discourage every form of violence or intimidation before, during and after the election.

“Political parties must ensure that their campaigns remain issue-based and that their supporters conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process. Every disagreement should be resolved within the framework of the law, while every grievance arising from the election should be pursued through the constitutional and legal mechanisms provided for that purpose by the constitution.

“It must never be forgotten that no political office is worth the life of any citizen. Every life lost during an election represents an irreparable loss to a family, a community and the nation.

“Those who encourage others to engage in violence rarely bear the consequences themselves; instead, it is often young men and women with promising futures who become victims of needless bloodshed, leaving behind grieving parents, widows, children and shattered dreams.”

The coalition, therefore, urged supporters of political parties to remember that no politician’s ambition is greater than the value of human life.

It also informed the conference that, in preparation for the election, it held constructive engagements with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant security institutions.

According to the body, the engagements were convened to emphasise the shared responsibility of safeguarding lives, protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that every eligible voter is able to exercise the right to vote without fear or intimidation.

It maintained that the security personnel must be firm against criminality and be impartial in the discharge of their duties.

“Every polling unit deserves adequate protection, every lawful voter deserves equal security irrespective of political affiliation, and every report of electoral violence or intimidation must receive a swift, lawful and professional response. Individuals or groups who choose to undermine the peace of the state must be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law, irrespective of their political status or influence,” it added.

It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain transparent, professional and neutral in order to conduct a free and fair exercise.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission bears a profound constitutional responsibility in this election. The confidence of the people in Nigeria’s democracy depends, to a significant extent, on the Commission’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, neutrality and strict compliance with the Electoral Act and its own guidelines.

“The eyes of the people of Osun State, indeed of the entire nation, will be on INEC on August 15. The Commission must therefore ensure the timely deployment of personnel and materials, the seamless operation of electoral technology, strict adherence to established procedures and the prompt, transparent collation and declaration of results. Every valid vote must count, and every result declared must faithfully reflect the sovereign will of the electorate as expressed at the polls.

“Nigeria’s democratic future cannot be separated from the credibility of its elections. Free, fair and transparent elections deepen public trust, strengthen democratic institutions, enhance political stability and reinforce the legitimacy of those entrusted with public office.

“We therefore urge INEC to rise up to this historic responsibility and deliver an election that will stand as a model of electoral integrity and inspire greater confidence in our democratic process,” the group admonished.