A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and former leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the international community to closely monitor the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, warning that alleged political violence, intimidation and institutional interference could undermine the credibility of the poll.
The groups made the demand on Friday in separate petitions submitted to the United States Embassy, British High Commission, European Union Delegation and United Nations offices in Abuja.
Speaking with journalists after presenting their petition to officials of the United States Embassy, Comrade Olayinka Dada and Igwe Ude-Umanta, who represented the coalition and former NANS leaders, said the growing political tension surrounding the election required urgent international attention.
They alleged that political violence, intimidation, misuse of public institutions and other activities could compromise the electoral process and further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
The groups argued that the Osun election has significance beyond the state, describing it as a major test of Nigeria’s democratic credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to them, the outcome and conduct of the election could either reinforce confidence in electoral democracy or deepen public distrust in the nation’s electoral system.
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 timing of the action as requiring greater public scrutiny.
They alleged that the development, coming shortly before the governorship election, could be perceived as political interference or intimidation, irrespective of the reasons advanced by the anti-graft agency.
The groups, however, stressed that their concern was not to shield anyone from investigation, but to demand transparency and neutrality from institutions responsible for enforcing Nigeria’s laws.
They urged anti-corruption and security agencies to perform their statutory duties professionally and without allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political victimisation.
The coalition further called for investigations into all allegations of politically motivated violence, insisting that anyone found culpable should face prosecution regardless of political affiliation, status or connections.
It maintained that a credible election would only be possible if all political parties and candidates were given a level playing field and voters were allowed to cast their ballots without fear, coercion or undue influence.
The organisations also urged political actors to respect the Constitution and judicial decisions while allowing electoral institutions to operate independently and impartially.
Specifically, the coalition called on the United States to publicly reaffirm its support for a peaceful, transparent, free and credible Osun election and to intensify diplomatic engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, political parties and relevant electoral and security institutions.
It also urged the United States and other international partners to engage the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force on the need for neutrality, professionalism and strict compliance with electoral laws.
The groups further called for close international monitoring of developments before, during and after the election, urging the global community to support appropriate consequences against individuals found to have violated Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The coalition and former NANS leaders ultimately appealed to political parties, security agencies, electoral authorities and other stakeholders to place the interests of the people of Osun State and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy above partisan interests.
They insisted that the people of Osun State—not political actors, institutions or powerful interests—must be allowed to freely determine who governs them through the ballot box.