A Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has raised the alarm over the political atmosphere in Osun State ahead of the governorship election, calling on the United Nations (UN) and United States President Donald Trump to closely monitor the poll.
The group alleged that opposition politicians, supporters and innocent citizens are being subjected to arrests, intimidation, abductions and other forms of harassment ahead of the election.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Convener, Olusola Badero, the organisation accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly using the Nigerian Police Force to suppress opposition voices in the state.
The group warned that what it described as a pattern of political intimidation in Osun could become a blueprint for the 2027 general elections if left unchecked.
According to the Yoruba Union, some citizens have allegedly been killed while others have been abducted during midnight operations, raising fears that political rivalry could degenerate into violence and further undermine citizens’ constitutional rights.
The organisation asked international bodies, civil society organisations and human rights groups to intervene before the situation worsens.
«“When everyone has been killed and jailed, who else would the politicians represent or govern, just because they are desperate to occupy power?”»
The group described the situation as a direct threat to democracy, arguing that political ambition should never be allowed to override the safety and fundamental rights of citizens.
It accused the Tinubu administration and the police of allegedly truncating democracy in Osun, claiming that state security institutions were being deployed against opposition figures and their supporters.
The Union also made a direct appeal to President Trump to pay attention to developments in Osun and help prevent what it described as the destruction of the state through political activities.
The organisation further warned President Tinubu against allowing political interests to overwhelm the interests of the people of Osun State.
«“Tinubu, who claimed to hail from Iragbiji in Osun State, should open his eyes and allow the Nigerian Police and his APC members to destroy the state because he wanted to take over the state by force, not caring about the rights of the people.”»
The statement is likely to intensify the already heated political atmosphere surrounding the Osun governorship election, particularly given the group’s decision to directly call out the presidency and security agencies.
‘WE ARE NOT SUPPORTING ANY CANDIDATE’
Despite its strong criticism of the government and security agencies, the Yoruba Union insisted that it was not backing any candidate or political party in the election.
Instead, it said its concern was that the people of Osun must be allowed to freely determine who governs them.
«“We are not supporting any candidates. But the people of Osun State should be allowed to vote for anyone they like without intimidation or harassment.”»
The organisation said Osun occupies a special place in Yoruba history and culture and vowed not to remain silent if it believes the state’s political institutions and citizens are being threatened.
«“Osun is an historic journey of the Yoruba race, and as Ọmọ lu àbí that we are, we won’t stand by and watch Tinubu and his cohorts destroy Yoruba land for us in the name of politics.”»
It said its primary concern was the security and dignity of the Yoruba people.
«“Our plight is to see that our land is secure and the dignity of our people is well protected.”»
CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL MONITORING
With the election approaching, the group called on the United Nations and President Trump to closely monitor events in Osun State, alleging that Nigeria’s democratic institutions are under serious pressure.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the election is transparent and that the votes of Osun residents are respected.
«“INEC should not be allowed to rig the election.”»
The group further urged civil society organisations, human rights groups and other stakeholders to raise the alarm over what it described as arbitrary arrests, intimidation and political harassment in the state.
It warned that if citizens are prevented from freely participating in the electoral process, the credibility of the election could be severely damaged.
The Yoruba Union maintained that the test of the Osun election would not merely be who emerges victorious, but whether voters can cast their ballots without fear, whether political opponents can campaign freely and whether all parties are treated equally under the law.
The organisation also warned that allowing political intimidation, alleged arbitrary arrests, violence or electoral manipulation to continue could deepen public distrust in Nigeria’s democracy and establish a dangerous precedent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For the Yoruba Union, the issue goes beyond political parties and candidates.
It is, it said, about whether the people of Osun will be allowed to decide their political future without fear, coercion or intimidation.