2026 OSUN STATE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION: CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION CHARGES STAKEHOLDERS ON PEACEFUL AND RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT
OSUN 2026: DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE WATCH INITIATIVE CALLS FOR RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT, CIVIL SOCIETY NEUTRALITY, AND A PEACEFUL GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) have followed with keen interest the recent exchange of public statements and counter-statements by groups aligned with different political interests ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
While every Nigerian and organizations have the constitutional right to freedom of expression, we believe that the increasing wave of making grave allegations against political parties and candidates through the media without presenting verifiable evidence poses a serious danger not only to our democracy, but the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming Osun State gubernatorial elections.
Civil Society Organizations occupy a unique and respected place in every democratic society. Their legitimacy derives from their independence, objectivity, credibility, and commitment to the public interest. Civil society loses its moral authority when it becomes an extension of partisan political interests or allows itself to be perceived as a platform for any political party or candidate.
We are therefore admonishing Civil and Pseudo Civil Society Organizations operating in Osun State and across Nigeria to maintain strict neutrality and uphold the highest standards of professionalism during, before and after the electioneering period.
Advocacy should be evidence-based, responsible, and guided by facts rather than speculation, rumours, or politically motivated narratives.
Where there is credible intelligence regarding planned breach of public peace or any other electoral offence, such information should be promptly reported to the security agencies, and other relevant authorities for investigation and necessary action.
Public allegations unsupported by evidence only heighten political tension, create unnecessary anxiety among citizens, and may inadvertently undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) equally appeals to all political parties, candidates, their supporters, campaign organizations, and spokespersons to conduct issue-based campaigns that focus on policies, programmes, and solutions to the developmental challenges confronting Osun State. Elections should be a contests of ideas and competence rather than battles of propaganda and mutual accusations.
We commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, the National Peace Committee, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media, election observers, and other stakeholders for the preparations already underway to ensure a credible electoral process. We urge them all to remain impartial, vigilant, and steadfast in discharging their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
To the good people of Osun State, we urge you to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and vigilant throughout the electoral process. Reject vote buying, political violence, hate speech, and every attempt to compromise your democratic rights. Your vote remains your most powerful instrument for determining the future of your state.
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) will continue to monitor developments before, during, and after the election, and will always speak up in defence of democracy, constitutionalism, the rule of law, electoral integrity, and good governance without fear or favour.
As the election draws near, we wish to remind every stakeholder that the credibility of the process is a shared responsibility. Peace is indispensable, democracy must be protected, and the freely expressed will of the people must be sacrosanct.
Let us all work together to ensure that the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election in Osun State becomes a reference of peaceful, free, fair, transparent, and credible democratic practice in Nigeria.
Thank you,
Your's Sincerely,
E-Signed,
Popoola Ajayi
Nelson Ekujumi
Gbenga Soloki
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