Voter Inducement Could Undermine Poll’s Credibility.
Ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, the two leading candidates—Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—have been commended for demonstrating political maturity and statesmanship during the funeral ceremonies of the late mother of APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, despite rising political tension in the state.
The commendation came as the Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the campaign organisation of Governor Adeleke, called on the United Kingdom, international observer missions, and civil society organisations to closely monitor the election, describing it as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general election.
Similarly, Yiaga Africa expressed concern over alleged voter inducement and increasing political tension, warning that such practices could undermine the credibility of the governorship poll.
The Osun Development Association (ODA), in a statement issued on Friday by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Adetayo, said the cordial interaction between leaders of opposing political parties during the funeral reflected the possibility of conducting peaceful and respectful political competition in the state.
According to the association, the gesture aligns with the objectives of the recently concluded Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit, where political leaders and stakeholders pledged to promote peaceful campaigns, issue-based politics, and violence-free elections.
ODA Chairman, Dr. Segun Aina, described the display of unity as the kind of leadership expected by the people of Osun.
“Political parties may differ in ideology and contest vigorously for votes, but they must never lose sight of our common humanity or the collective interest of Osun State. Respect across political divides is a hallmark of a mature democracy and an essential ingredient for peaceful elections,” Aina said.
He urged political actors to sustain the spirit of mutual respect throughout the election period, warning against inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation, and actions capable of escalating tensions.
Aina reaffirmed ODA’s commitment to promoting dialogue, civic responsibility, and peaceful democratic participation before, during, and after the election.
Meanwhile, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja after submitting a petition to the British High Commission, the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged that the Nigeria Police Force in Osun State had become compromised.
He appealed to the international community to ensure that the election is conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner, describing the poll as a major test of the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other democratic institutions.
Olajengbesi alleged that the state Commissioner of Police was acting in a partisan manner and called on the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy him before the election.
He further claimed that incidents of political violence had not been adequately investigated and accused the police of failing to respond to alleged attempts by some individuals to take control of motor parks for election logistics.
“We are not asking anyone to favour Governor Ademola Adeleke. We are simply asking that the election be conducted in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act so that the people can freely choose their governor,” he said.
Also speaking, Yiaga Africa Board member, Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu, warned that reports of cash transfers of about ₦10,000 to prospective voters could compromise the credibility of the election.
Addressing a Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Media Engagement ahead of the poll, Nwagwu said voter inducement had already emerged as one of the major concerns in the pre-election environment.
According to him, regardless of how such financial gifts are explained, attempts to influence voters through monetary inducement weaken the integrity of the electoral process.
He also expressed concern over the rising political tension, noting that many voters feared the election could become violent.
Nwagwu, however, urged political stakeholders and residents to work collectively to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Reacting to the growing concerns, the Osun State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Oluomo Alimi, warned against the deployment of thugs, social miscreants, and unruly youths to disrupt public peace.
He advised residents to promptly report any suspicious or unlawful activities to security agencies, irrespective of the political affiliation or status of those involved.
