The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a civil society coalition, has raised concerns over rising insecurity, political interference and the need to protect democratic institutions ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The group made the call during its July 2026 State of the State Address in Osogbo, urging political actors, security agencies and electoral stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and ensure a peaceful, credible and transparent election.
Speaking at the briefing, the Executive Director of the organisation, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, warned that the growing wave of cult violence, political thuggery and tension across parts of the state could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming governorship poll if urgent action was not taken.
According to him, elections should remain a peaceful democratic exercise and not degenerate into violence or intimidation.
“The peace and stability of Osun State must not be sacrificed on the altar of desperate political ambitions. Elections are a peaceful exercise of civic choice, not a military conquest or a trial by combat. We call on all political parties to immediately disband every armed group or political enforcement squad operating under any guise,” Oyedokun-Alli said.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to deploy adequate and impartial security personnel across polling units and collation centres to guarantee a free, fair and credible election.
“Security agencies must ensure that every voter can come out on August 15 without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence. A credible election can only take place where both the ballot and the voter are fully protected,” he added.
The coalition also criticised the prolonged leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), accusing successive administrations of politicising transport unions and using them as instruments of political intimidation.
Oyedokun-Alli urged governments at both the state and local levels to allow transport unions to operate independently in line with the law.
“Transport unions are trade organisations, not political structures. Governments must stop interfering in their internal affairs and allow them to elect their leaders through transparent and democratic processes,” he said.
The organisation further cautioned traditional rulers against openly identifying with political parties or endorsing candidates, warning that such actions weaken the neutrality and moral authority of the traditional institution.
“Our royal fathers are custodians of our culture and must remain fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliation. Royal palaces should remain sanctuaries of peace and not become partisan political centres,” Oyedokun-Alli stated.
On recent politically-related arrests in the state, the civil society group urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain professional and impartial, warning against the use of security agencies to settle political scores.
“The Police must never allow itself to become a tool for political vendetta. Every citizen deserves equal protection under the law, and every arrest must comply strictly with constitutional provisions and due process,” he said.
Also speaking, a member of the coalition, Olawole Oladapo, said the organisation would not support calls for the removal of any public official, including the Commissioner of Police, based solely on political pressure.
According to him, institutions of government must not be subjected to partisan interests.
“We will not allow our institutions to become tools in the hands of the political class. Our position is that every institution should perform its constitutional responsibility professionally and in accordance with the law,” Oladapo said.
He maintained that while the coalition would continue to condemn intimidation and abuse of power, it would also insist that allegations of politically motivated arrests be subjected to proper investigation.
“If anyone has committed a crime, the law should take its course irrespective of the office such a person occupies. At the same time, we will not support harassment or intimidation under any guise. We will await the outcome of investigations before reaching conclusions,” he added.
Oladapo also condemned the theft of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in parts of the state, describing the incidents as capable of creating unnecessary tension ahead of the election.
He, however, advised against reopening voter registration or extending PVC issuance at this stage, saying such a move could disrupt the electoral timetable. Instead, he urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible while ensuring eligible voters were able to exercise their franchise without intimidation.
Also addressing journalists, Ayo Ologun called for independent verification of ongoing infrastructure projects and greater accountability in government procurement processes.
He disclosed that the coalition had written to the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), requesting independent integrity tests on roads and bridges constructed by the state government.
“We have written to COREN and asked it to send professionals to independently assess the roads and bridges. This is not about politics but about ensuring that public infrastructure meets professional standards,” Ologun said.
He added that the coalition had also petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to examine whether procurement procedures and project costs complied with due process.
According to him, the organisation would continue to advocate transparency and accountability while awaiting the findings of the relevant professional and investigative bodies.
As part of its election monitoring activities, the coalition announced plans to engage key stakeholders, including INEC, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Accord Party and other civil society organisations, to assess preparations for the August 15 governorship election.
It said the engagements would form part of its independent observation report and recommendations aimed at promoting a peaceful, free and credible election in Osun State.
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