Adeleke campaign council says the Osun governorship election will test Nigeria’s democracy, urging a free and credible electoral process
The spokesperson of the Ademola Adeleke Campaign Council, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, has described the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election as a critical assessment of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging stakeholders to ensure a free, fair and credible process.
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Olajengbesi made the call on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing held after an advocacy visit to the Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah Centre, where he appealed to local and international observers to closely monitor the conduct of the election.
The campaign council spokesperson said the outcome of the poll would serve as a major indicator of the strength of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The coming election in Osun State is important to Nigeria and important to the world. It is a major test of the integrity of INEC, the Inspector-General of Police and our institutions to determine whether we are prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election,” Olajengbesi said.
He urged civil society organisations, election observers and members of the international community to pay close attention to the process, stressing that voters must be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate without intimidation or interference.
Olajengbesi also raised concerns over the security situation in the state, alleging that the Osun State Police Command had become compromised and accusing the Commissioner of Police of partisan conduct. The claims have not been independently verified.
The campaign council spokesperson said a fresh complaint had been submitted to the British High Commission over the concerns, adding that previous petitions had also been sent to the Inspector-General of Police regarding alleged insecurity and politically motivated violence in the state.
“People are being killed every day in Osun State,” Olajengbesi alleged, while calling on security agencies to remain neutral and protect voters throughout the election period.
Also speaking at the briefing, Mr A. O. Franklin, a representative of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers, described the upcoming election as a test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral stakeholders.
“The forthcoming election in Osun State is a litmus test that must assess the credibility and integrity of all stakeholders,” Franklin said.
Franklin urged INEC to maintain impartiality and called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that security agencies carry out their constitutional responsibilities professionally.
He added that the election would offer insight into Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections, while encouraging the media to continue providing independent scrutiny of public institutions.
The Osun governorship election has attracted increased attention due to its timing ahead of the next national election cycle.
Political parties, election observers and civil society groups are expected to focus on issues including voter confidence, security, transparency and institutional independence.
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The Imole Campaign Council said its engagement with stakeholders was aimed at promoting a peaceful electoral process that reflects the choice of Osun voters.
