The Omo-Oodua Yoruba Community Northern States has called for a free, fair, credible and peaceful governorship election in Osun State.
The group urged residents to come out en masse on August 15, 2026, to exercise their franchise and vote for candidates of their choice.
The call was contained in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, High Chief Abdulazeez Oyeniyi Salaudeen, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.
The group charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain neutral and provide a level playing field for all participating political parties.
It also urged the electoral commission to ensure that every valid vote was counted and reflected in the final result.
“The will of Osun people must be respected by all stakeholders,” the group said.
It condemned the reported violence in the state, warning that political ambition was not worth the loss of lives.
“The political ambition of any person is not worth the blood of fellow citizens,” it stated.
The organisation called on political actors and their supporters to de-escalate tensions ahead of the poll.
It said a peaceful environment was necessary for residents to exercise their constitutional right to vote without intimidation.
The group also urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders.
It called for the arrest and prosecution of anyone found involved in electoral violence or malpractice.
The group, however, criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over what it described as the freezing of Osun State Government bank accounts.
It described the development as a matter requiring scrutiny and urged relevant authorities to ensure that institutions operated within the law.
The organisation called on Osun residents to remain vigilant and protect their votes through lawful means.
It said the success of the election was important to Nigeria’s democratic development, describing the poll as the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections.
The group urged all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, electoral officials and voters, to prioritise peace and democratic values throughout the electoral process.
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