Former Chairperson of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, has expressed concern over increasing political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, warning that the situation could threaten the credibility of the poll and weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
The human rights lawyer and Associate Professor of Law urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to take immediate steps to reduce tension and ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
Cites Warning Signs of Electoral Violence
Akiyode-Afolabi said recent developments in the state mirror early warning signs commonly associated with electoral violence.
She pointed to reports of politically related attacks, inflammatory statements and growing public anxiety, noting that more than 20 people had reportedly lost their lives in incidents linked to the build-up to the election.
Raises Concerns Over Recent Developments
She also highlighted a series of recent events that have heightened political tension, including the freezing of Osun State Government’s bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the deployment of about 15,000 police personnel, and the arrest and subsequent release of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, along with five others over alleged vote-buying.
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While acknowledging the constitutional powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate electoral offences, she cautioned that the arrest of senior government officials during a sensitive electoral period could fuel suspicion and erode public confidence if not handled transparently and professionally.
Peace Accord Must Be Backed by Action
Akiyode-Afolabi noted that although governorship candidates had signed a peace accord, genuine commitment to peaceful elections should be reflected in their conduct rather than in ceremonial agreements.
She urged political leaders to discourage violence, hate speech and intimidation, stressing that their actions would determine the credibility of the electoral process.
Calls for Neutral Institutions
The former TMG chair emphasised that public institutions must remain impartial and operate within the law throughout the election period.
She urged security agencies to act professionally and without bias, while calling on INEC to maintain its independence and ensure that every valid vote counts.
According to her, the Osun governorship election is an important test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and should be conducted in a manner that strengthens public trust in the electoral process.
Appeal for Peace
Akiyode-Afolabi appealed to all stakeholders to place the interest of the people above politics and work together to prevent violence before, during and after the election.
She said no political office is worth the loss of human lives, urging political actors to allow the electorate to freely determine the outcome of the poll while respecting the rule of law.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.