The Civil Society Committee of the AMBO Campaign Council has dismissed allegations made by the Osun State Civil Society Matter Committee of the Imole Campaign Council, describing the claims as baseless, speculative and unsupported by evidence.
In a rejoinder signed by the Chairman of the Civil Society Committee, Coalition for Democratic Integrity (CDI), Jagunmolu Amitolu Shittu, the campaign council said it was responding due the seriousness of the allegations and the need to protect the integrity of public discourse ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The committee stated that the publication titled “Osun 2026: ‘We Cannot Be Bought’ — Civil Society Flags Alleged APC Desperation to Subvert Will of the People” contained sensational allegations without verifiable facts.
According to the statement, the publication accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of importing illegal voters, inducing voters with money, manipulating Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stealing ballot papers and planning violence to influence the outcome of the election.
The committee, however, maintained that the publication failed to identify those allegedly involved, provide documentary evidence, present eyewitness accounts or rely on reports from any security or electoral authority.
It argued that phrases such as “reliable reports indicate,” “it is alleged,” and “there are claims” could not replace credible evidence, particularly on allegations capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The committee advised that if the authors of the publication possessed credible intelligence relating to planned electoral offences, they should submit such information and supporting evidence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation.
It added that resorting to media sensationalism without evidence weakens democracy rather than strengthening it.
The campaign council also questioned the impartiality of the group, alleging that a body presenting itself as a civil society organisation had chosen to function as the media arm of a political campaign while claiming the moral authority traditionally associated with civil society organisations.
The committee stated that genuine civil society organisations are respected because they maintain independence, objectivity and fairness by scrutinising all political actors without fear or favour.
It rejected all the allegations contained in the publication, insisting that the APC remains committed to democratic engagement, issue-based campaigns and compliance with the Electoral Act and other applicable laws.
According to the statement, the party has consistently urged its members and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electioneering period.
The committee also called on political parties, their supporters, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, security agencies and the media to contribute to ensuring that the forthcoming governorship election is peaceful, credible and reflective of the will of the people.
It maintained that democracy is better served when political disagreements are resolved through facts, lawful institutions and the ballot rather than propaganda, fear-mongering and unverified allegations.
The campaign council further urged political actors to focus their campaigns on governance, policies, development and the future of Osun State.
It said the electorate deserves debates on education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic growth, security and social welfare instead of what it described as baseless accusations intended to distract from substantive issues.
The committee urged members of the public to treat the publication with caution and reject attempts to manipulate public opinion through unsupported claims.
It also called on stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and work collectively to ensure that the August 15 governorship election is conducted peacefully, freely, fairly and credibly.