The Ademola Adeleke Campaign Council has called for a free, fair and credible governorship election in Nigeria’s southwestern Osun State on August 15, describing the vote as a critical test of the country’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja after an advocacy visit to the Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah Centre, the campaign council’s spokesperson, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, urged domestic and international stakeholders to closely monitor the election.
He said the poll would assess the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria’s electoral body, the Nigeria Police Force and other institutions responsible for protecting the electoral process.
“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 appealed to the international community, civil society organisations and election observers to pay close attention to the conduct of the vote to ensure that the will of the people prevails.
He also alleged that the Osun State Police Command had become compromised and accused the state Commissioner of Police of acting in a partisan manner.
Olajengbesi said the campaign council had submitted a fresh complaint to the British High Commission over its concerns. He added that the council had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging insecurity and politically motivated violence in the state.
“People are being killed every day in Osun State,” Olajengbesi alleged.
He called on police authorities to remain neutral and guarantee the safety of voters throughout the election period. He also stressed that eligible voters must be allowed to choose their preferred candidate freely, without intimidation or interference.
Also addressing the briefing, Mr Olufemi Franklin, representing the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers, described the election as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral stakeholders.
He said governments derive their legitimacy from the people and insisted that every eligible voter must have a safe environment to exercise their democratic rights.
“The forthcoming election in Osun State is a litmus test that must assess the credibility and integrity of all stakeholders,” Franklin said.
He urged INEC to remain impartial and called on the Inspector-General of Police to carry out his constitutional responsibilities professionally.
Franklin added that the election would indicate Nigeria’s readiness for the 2027 general elections. He also urged the media to continue holding public institutions accountable through objective and fearless reporting.
The advocacy visit formed part of the Imole Campaign Council’s engagement with stakeholders ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
