A coalition of civil society organisations under the Partnership for Ethical Governance has called on political parties, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and voters to ensure that the August 15 governorship election in Osun State is peaceful, credible and violence-free.
Speaking at a press conference on the forthcoming election on Wednesday, the leader of the coalition, Comrade Debo Adeniran said democracy can only thrive where citizens are free to choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence.
The group expressed concern over reports of politically motivated attacks, violent confrontations and acts of intimidation recorded in the weeks leading to the election, describing the development as a threat to democratic governance.
It stressed that political violence discourages voter participation, weakens public confidence in democratic institutions and leaves lasting consequences on affected communities.
The coalition urged registered voters to come out peacefully on August 15 and exercise their constitutional right without fear, assuring that every voter should be able to cast a ballot and return home safely.
It also called on political parties, including the APC, Accord Party, PDP and other contestants, to promote issue-based campaigns, reject inflammatory rhetoric and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence before, during and after the election.
According to the coalition, no political ambition is worth the life of any citizen, urging political actors to ensure that grievances arising from the election are resolved through lawful and constitutional channels.
The group appealed to supporters of all political parties not to allow themselves to be used for acts of violence, warning that political conflicts often leave young people bearing the consequences while politicians move on.
The coalition disclosed that it had held engagements with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other security agencies ahead of the election.
It commended the security agencies for their assurances and urged them to remain professional, impartial and guided by the Constitution in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The coalition also urged INEC to ensure timely deployment of personnel and election materials, seamless operation of electoral technology and transparent collation and declaration of results.
It maintained that every valid vote must count and every result declared should reflect the will of the electorate.
The group called on all stakeholders to place the collective interest of Osun State above partisan considerations, expressing hope that the governorship election would be remembered for peace, credibility and the triumph of the people’s democratic choice.