A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and former leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the international community to step up diplomatic engagement with Nigerian authorities over what it described as growing threats to the credibility of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The coalition submitted separate petitions to the United States Embassy, the British High Commission, the European Union (EU) Delegation and the United Nations (UN) offices on Friday in Abuja, urging them to closely monitor developments before, during and after the election.

Addressing journalists shortly after presenting the petition at the United States (US) Embassy, spokespersons for the coalition, Comrade Olayinka Dada and Igwe Ude-Umanta, expressed concern over alleged political violence, intimidation, abuse of public institutions and other actions they said could undermine the integrity of the poll.

According to them, the Osun governorship election has assumed national significance because of its proximity to the 2027 general elections.

They warned that the conduct of the election would either strengthen or further weaken Nigerians’ confidence in the country’s democratic process.

The coalition said: “Our intervention is driven by our shared commitment to constitutional democracy, transparency, accountability, electoral integrity, human rights and peaceful political participation.”

The coalition also raised concerns over the reported freezing of bank accounts belonging to the Osun State Government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the development as one that requires public clarification.

“The timing of such actions shortly before the governorship election smacks of political interference, intimidation and bullying, regardless of the stated reasons behind the action.”

The group urged anti-corruption and security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities professionally and without political bias.

“In the spirit of fairness and neutrality, anti-corruption and security agencies should exercise their statutory responsibilities transparently, professionally, and without becoming tools in the hands of political actors.”

The coalition further maintained that security agencies should focus on investigating allegations of politically motivated violence instead of targeting opposition figures.

“Instead of targeting opposition elements, security agencies should investigate all allegations of politically motivated violence and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or connections.”

The coalition stressed that only a level playing field for all contestants would guarantee a credible election.

“A credible election requires that all political actors operate within the framework of the Constitution, respect judicial decisions, refrain from intimidation or violence, and ensure that electoral institutions are allowed to perform their responsibilities independently and impartially.”

Calling on the United States and other international partners to play a more active role, the group urged them to publicly reaffirm their commitment to peaceful, transparent and credible elections in Nigeria.

It also called for increased diplomatic engagement with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, political parties and key electoral institutions.

“We specifically call on the United States authorities to encourage the Federal Government to ensure political neutrality and guarantee equal opportunities for all contestants in the Osun governorship election,” the coalition said.

It added that such engagement should include closer interaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to reinforce neutrality, professionalism and compliance with electoral laws.

The coalition further urged the international community to maintain close observation of the election and hold accountable anyone found to have undermined the electoral process.

“The United States and other members of the international community must closely monitor developments before, during, and after the Osun governorship election and ensure that appropriate sanctions are imposed on anyone found to have violated Nigeria’s electoral integrity,” the petition stated.

The coalition also appealed to all political actors and institutions to place the interests of Osun State and Nigeria’s democracy above partisan considerations.

It urged stakeholders to allow the electorate to freely choose the state’s next governor through a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.

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