ABUJA — August 14, 2026: The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that Saturday’s Osun State governorship election is transparent, peaceful and credible, saying the exercise offers the electoral umpire an opportunity to redeem its image and restore Nigerians’ confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Friday, COPDEM urged INEC to conduct the election in strict accordance with the Electoral Act and ensure that every eligible voter is allowed to freely cast their ballot without intimidation, vote-buying or violence.
The civil society group also cautioned Senator Fadahunsi to retract his reported statement allegedly perceived as threatening or intimidating, apologise to the people of Osun State and use his influence to promote a peaceful election.
COPDEM warned that any violence arising from threats or inflammatory statements made by political actors could have serious consequences, stressing that those who issue threats must take responsibility for helping to prevent violence rather than escalating political tensions.
The group appealed to all political parties, candidates and their supporters to accept the outcome of the election provided it reflects the genuine will of the people, and to pursue any grievances through lawful and constitutional channels.
COPDEM further called on the people of Osun State to reject what it described as undemocratic tendencies by political actors seeking control of the state’s treasury through electoral manipulation.
“Elections have consequences,” the group said, urging voters to defend their democratic rights by turning out peacefully, voting according to their conscience and protecting their votes.
The organisation also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organisations, journalists and election observers to pay close attention to Saturday’s election and document and report any cases of violence, intimidation, electoral malpractice and vote-buying to the appropriate authorities.
COPDEM specifically urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intensify its monitoring of alleged vote-buying and, where credible evidence exists, investigate and prosecute perpetrators irrespective of their political affiliation.
The group expressed concern that allegations of vote-buying during the Ekiti State governorship election have not, in its view, resulted in sufficient visible enforcement action, urging the EFCC to demonstrate that electoral corruption will attract consequences.
According to COPDEM, the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process cannot be strengthened through declarations alone but through visible enforcement, impartiality and accountability.
The group therefore charged INEC, security agencies, EFCC and other relevant institutions to remain neutral and professional throughout the Osun election, warning that selective enforcement or failure to act against electoral offenders could further undermine public confidence.
COPDEM said a credible Osun election would send an important signal about Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections, while a disputed or compromised process could deepen public distrust in democratic institutions.
The coalition called on all stakeholders to place the peace and democratic future of Osun State above partisan interests and allow the people to freely determine who governs them.
Signed: COPDEM National Secretariat, Abuja.
