Osun Guber Will Test Nigeria’s Democratic Credibility – Olajengbesi

The spokesperson of the Ademola Adeleke Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has called for a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State, describing the August 15 poll as a crucial test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general election.

Olajengbesi made the call in Abuja during a media briefing after an advocacy visit to the Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah Centre, where he appealed to domestic and international stakeholders to closely monitor the election.

He said the Osun governorship election would serve as a major assessment of the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, the Nigeria Police Force and other institutions responsible for safeguarding the electoral process.

“The coming election in Osun State is important to Nigeria and important to the world. It is a major test of the integrity of INEC, the Inspector-General of Police and our institutions to determine whether we are prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election”, he said.

According to him, the campaign council had submitted a fresh complaint to the British High Commission over its concerns in the forthcoming election.

He also said the council had previously petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging insecurity in the state and the need to ensure neutrality and guarantee the safety of voters throughout the election period.

He stressed that eligible voters must be allowed to freely elect the candidate of their choice without intimidation or interference.

Also speaking at the briefing, a representative of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers, Mr A. O. Franklin, described the forthcoming election as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral stakeholders.

He insisted that every eligible voter must be given a safe environment to exercise their franchise.

“The forthcoming election in Osun State is a litmus test that must assess the credibility and integrity of all stakeholders, urging INEC to remain impartial and the Inspector-General of Police to discharge his constitutional responsibilities professionally.

Franklin called on the media to continue holding public institutions accountable through objective reporting.

The advocacy visit formed part of the Imole Campaign Council’s engagement with stakeholders ahead of the August 15 governorship election, which the council said should reflect the genuine choice of the people of Osun State.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji