‘Osun gubernatorial poll, a litmus test for Nigeria’s electoral integrity’

The spokesperson for the Ademola Adeleke Campaign Council, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, has described the August 15 governorship election in Osun State as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Olajengbesi made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing following an advocacy visit to the Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah Centre, where he appealed to domestic and international stakeholders to closely monitor the election.

He said the poll would provide a major test of the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and other institutions responsible for conducting and securing 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,” he said.

Olajengbesi urged the international community, civil society organisations and election observers to closely monitor the conduct of the election to ensure that the will of the people prevails.

He alleged that the Osun State Police Command had become compromised and accused the state Commissioner of Police of acting in a partisan manner.

According to him, the campaign council had submitted a fresh complaint to the British High Commission over its concerns and had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging insecurity and politically motivated violence in the state.

Olajengbesi also alleged that lives were being lost in the state and called on the police authorities to remain neutral and ensure the safety of voters before, during and after the election.

He stressed that eligible voters should be allowed to freely elect candidates of their choice without intimidation or interference.

Also speaking, a representative of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers, Mr A. O. Franklin, described the election as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral stakeholders.

He said democratic legitimacy derives from the freely expressed will of the people and urged INEC to remain impartial while calling on the Inspector-General of Police to discharge his constitutional responsibilities professionally.

Franklin added that the election would provide an indication of Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections and urged the media to continue promoting accountability through objective and fearless reporting.

The advocacy visit formed part of the Imole Campaign Council’s engagement with key stakeholders ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The council said the poll should reflect the genuine choice of the electorate and be conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner.