A civil society organisation, The Osun Masterminds,TOM, has expressed concern over rising political tension and what it described as increasing undemocratic practices ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The group warned political actors against inflammatory rhetoric, cyberbullying, character assassination and acts capable of triggering violence before, during and after the election.
Speaking during the May 2026 edition of its State of the State Address in Osogbo, the Executive Director of the organisation, Prof Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, said the political atmosphere in the state was gradually becoming overheated.
According to the group, opposition politics should remain an avenue for competing ideas and developmental debates rather than violence, intimidation and hostility among political supporters.
The organisation noted that ordinary residents of the state often suffer the consequences of political violence and unrest.
The group called on leaders of political parties in the state to caution their supporters and ensure campaigns remain issue-based and peaceful.
It also urged security agencies in Osun State to remain neutral, vigilant and proactive in preventing any attempt to disrupt public peace ahead of the governorship poll.
The organisation further criticised what it described as widespread imposition of candidates and lack of transparency in party primaries across political parties in the country.
According to the group, the internal processes of many political parties have continued to undermine democratic principles and weaken public confidence in the electoral system.
The Osun Masterminds urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen its oversight responsibilities by refusing to validate party primaries that violate the Electoral Act and internal party constitutions.
The organisation also called on the Federal Government to guarantee the independence of INEC to enable it effectively enforce electoral regulations.
On insecurity, the group condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing it as a dangerous indication of worsening insecurity across the country.
The organisation warned that attacks on schools and vulnerable communities threaten the future of the nation and further deepen fear among citizens.
It urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted pupils and strengthen security operations across affected regions.
The group also called on governors in the South-West region, including the Osun State Government, to improve collaboration on intelligence sharing and border security to prevent cross-border criminal activities.
The organisation further urged state governments to stop acting as passive observers by implementing proactive local security measures to safeguard schools and rural communities.
On infrastructure, the group appealed to the Osun State Government to commence urgent rehabilitation of roads linking Osun and Ekiti states, particularly the Ora Igbomina and Esa-Oke/Imesi-Ile routes.
It noted that improving the road networks would enhance security and support economic activities within the affected communities.
The organisation also renewed its call for the release of the outcome of the Tilbot scandal investigation, insisting that the allegations surrounding the matter were too serious to be ignored.
According to the group, residents of Osun State deserve transparency and accountability regarding the management of public resources.
The Osun Masterminds maintained that its interventions were aimed at promoting good governance, peace and sustainable development in Osun State and Nigeria at large.