The Osun Citizens’ Situation Room (OCSR) has expressed concern over rising political violence, intimidation, hate speech and disinformation ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning that the state’s democratic process must not be undermined by insecurity.
The group condemned reported attacks on officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing such incidents as an assault on Nigeria’s democracy. It urged authorities to investigate the attacks and prosecute those responsible.
While acknowledging the signing of a peace accord by political parties, OCSR questioned the commitment of some parties to peaceful elections, noting that several major parties were represented by delegates instead of their governorship candidates. It stressed that genuine commitment to peace should be reflected in actions rather than symbolic gestures.
The organisation announced plans to engage foreign diplomatic missions and international human rights bodies to closely monitor developments before and during the election. It also called for targeted international measures, within existing legal frameworks, against individuals found to have sponsored or encouraged election-related violence.
To strengthen electoral accountability, OCSR urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to establish mobile election courts across Osun on election day to ensure the prompt prosecution of electoral offenders. It also called on the Minister of Interior and correctional authorities to make adequate custodial arrangements for suspects lawfully arrested for election-related offences.
The group welcomed INEC’s extension of PVC collection until July 31 at Registration Area centres, with collection continuing at Local Government offices from August 1 to 7. It encouraged eligible voters to collect their PVCs and participate peacefully in the election.
OCSR further renewed its call for greater inclusion of Nigerians in the diaspora in the country’s democratic process, arguing that their significant contributions to national development justify a stronger voice in governance.
In a final appeal, the organisation urged political parties, candidates, supporters, traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies to place the interest of Osun State above partisan considerations and ensure the election is conducted peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.
