Osun Guber: CSOs, Ex-NANS Leaders Seek Int’l Intervention

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and former leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have called on the international community to intensify diplomatic engagement with Nigerian authorities over growing concerns surrounding the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The group made the appeal in separate petitions submitted yesterday to the United States Embassy, the British High Commission, the European Union Delegation, and the United Nations offices in Abuja.

Addressing journalists shortly after presenting the petition to officials of the United States Embassy in Abuja, Comrade Olayinka Dada and Igwe Ude-Umanta, who spoke on behalf of the coalition and former NANS leaders, expressed concern over alleged political violence, intimidation, misuse of public institutions, and other actions.

They said this could undermine the credibility of the election and weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The organisations stated that the Osun governorship election has assumed national significance because of its proximity to the 2027 general elections, warning that the conduct of the poll could either strengthen or further erode Nigerians’ confidence in electoral democracy.

They also said their intervention was motivated by a shared commitment to constitutional democracy, transparency, accountability, electoral integrity, human rights, and peaceful political participation.

The coalition furty cited the reported freezing of bank accounts belonging to the Osun State Government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a development requiring public clarification and scrutiny.

“The timing of such actions shortly before the governorship election smacks of political interference, intimidation and bullying, regardless of the stated reasons behind the action.

“In the spirit of fairness and neutrality, anti-corruption and security agencies should exercise their statutory responsibilities transparently, professionally, and without becoming tools in the hands of political actors.

“Instead of targeting opposition elements, security agencies should investigate all allegations of politically motivated violence and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or connections,” they said.

The organisations maintained that a credible election can only take place where all candidates and political parties are provided with a level playing field and where voters are able to exercise their franchise freely without intimidation, violence, or undue interference.

The group urged the United States Mission to publicly reaffirm its support for peaceful, transparent, free, and credible elections in Nigeria and to engage the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, political parties, and relevant institutions through appropriate diplomatic channels.

Adding, they called on all stakeholders to place the interests of the people of Osun State and Nigeria’s democratic stability above partisan considerations and allow voters to freely determine the state’s next governor through the ballot box.