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The Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has called for a thorough investigation into reported deaths and incidents of violence ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The council also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take all necessary measures to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible election.
Ariwoola made the call through a statement presented by a member of the council, Godknows Igali, at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
The council said it was deeply concerned about what it described as “very negative and clearly undemocratic developments” being reported in the state ahead of the election.
It expressed particular concern over reported loss of lives and other incidents of violence, describing them as needless and unacceptable in a democratic society.
The council said all governorship candidates, including the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke, had demonstrated confidence in the electoral process and repeatedly committed themselves to playing by the rules.
It, however, said the reported incidents of violence were inconsistent with those commitments and could undermine public confidence in the election.
The council called on the relevant authorities to investigate the reported deaths and other incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible was promptly brought to justice.
It specifically urged the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Ajayi; the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede; and the heads of other security agencies to take all necessary measures to prevent further violence.
“No more human lives should be wasted, and the people of Osun State must be given the confidence to come out to vote freely, independently and in a peaceful atmosphere so that the outcome of the election would reflect the wish of the people of the state,” the council said.
It also urged the people of Osun State and political stakeholders to ensure that the election, which it described as an important precursor to the 2027 general elections, was conducted in an atmosphere of transparency, fairness and respect for democratic principles.
The council warned against threats to democracy and provocative actions capable of inciting violence, stressing that the primary objective of participating in elections should be to serve the people and deliver the benefits of democracy.
It commended Adeleke and the other governorship candidates for presenting themselves for election and for their stated commitment to the electoral process.
The Council of the Wise comprises eminent Nigerians drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones and has a mandate to engage key stakeholders, promote national unity and strengthen democratic governance.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, with voters across the state’s 30 local government areas expected to elect the governor for the next term.
The election has been preceded by heightened political tension and reports of violence in parts of the state. Security agencies have also announced measures aimed at preventing violence, intimidation and other electoral offences.
Against this backdrop, civil society groups, political stakeholders and other national institutions have continued to call on the electoral and security authorities to protect voters and ensure that the outcome of the election reflects the will of the people.
