A coalition of civil society organisations operating under the Partnership for Ethical Governance has issued a direct appeal to political parties contesting Osun State’s August 15 governorship election, urging leaders to demonstrate restraint and uphold democratic norms amid what the group describes as rising incidents of politically motivated violence and intimidation ahead of the vote.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Chairman Comrade Debo Adeniran framed the growing tension as a direct threat to public confidence in the electoral process, arguing that the fundamental purpose of democracy is being undermined by the very people meant to compete within its rules. “The essence of democracy is to give the people the freedom to choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence. Elections are not wars. Political opponents are not enemies. Victory at the polls must never come at the cost of human misery, trauma and loss of lives,” he said.
Adeniran was direct about the broader consequences of unchecked electoral violence, warning that it discourages voter turnout, erodes trust in democratic institutions, and leaves lasting damage within affected communities long after the votes are counted.
Looking ahead to election day itself, the coalition encouraged eligible voters across Osun State to participate peacefully, expressing confidence that democracy is strengthened whenever citizens are able to freely exercise their choice at the ballot box without interference.
The group also directed a specific appeal at party leadership, calling on the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress, African Democratic Congress, All Progressives Movement, and other participating parties to consistently counsel their supporters toward restraint throughout the election period, before, during, and after voting concludes. According to the coalition, party leaders bear a particular responsibility to reject inflammatory language, actively discourage violence, and ensure that any disputes arising from the election are resolved through lawful and constitutional channels rather than confrontation.
The coalition closed with a pointed warning aimed squarely at political sponsors of unrest, cautioning politicians against inciting young people toward electoral violence. It noted a troubling pattern in which those who fund or encourage such violence rarely face its consequences themselves, while the burden of harm falls disproportionately on youths and the communities they belong to.
