CSOs, Ex-NANS Leaders Seek International Community’s Intervention Over Osun Governorship Election

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and former leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the international community to intensify diplomatic engagement with Nigerian authorities over growing concerns surrounding the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State.

The group made the appeal in separate petitions submitted on Friday 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 the former NANS leaders, expressed concern over alleged political violence, intimidation, misuse of public institutions, and other actions they said could undermine the credibility of the election and weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

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

The coalition also 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.

According to the group, “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.”

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

“A credible election requires that all political actors operate within the framework of the Constitution, respect judicial decisions, refrain from intimidation or violence, and ensure that electoral institutions are allowed to perform their responsibilities independently and impartially,” the coalition stated.

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.

“We specifically call on the United States authorities to encourage the Federal Government to ensure political neutrality and guarantee equal opportunities for all contestants in the Osun governorship election.

“This should include closer diplomatic engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to reinforce the need for neutrality, professionalism, and strict adherence to electoral laws.

“The United States and other members of the international community must closely monitor developments before, during, and after the Osun governorship election and ensure that appropriate sanctions are imposed on anyone found to have violated Nigeria’s electoral integrity,” the statement added.

The coalition and former NANS leaders concluded by calling 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.