Osun election: Ex-TMG chair raises alarm over rising political tension

A former chairperson of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and Associate Professor of Law, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, has expressed deep concern over the escalating political tension ahead of the 15 August governorship election in Osun State, warning that the prevailing atmosphere could undermine the credibility of the poll and erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the human rights lawyer and governance expert called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner.

Drawing on her experience in election observation and democratic governance, Akiyode-Afolabi said the unfolding developments in Osun exhibit several early warning signs commonly associated with electoral violence.

“As an election observer, I understand the warning signs that often precede electoral violence. The developments unfolding in Osun demand urgent and collective action to prevent further escalation,” she said.

She expressed concern over rising political tension, reports of election-related violence, inflammatory rhetoric and growing public anxiety ahead of the poll.

According to her, official and security reports indicate that more than 20 people have reportedly lost their lives in politically motivated violence in the build-up to the election.

Akiyode-Afolabi also pointed to recent controversies, including the reported freezing of an Osun State Government bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the deployment of about 15,000 police personnel to the state, and the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Teslim Igbalaye, along with five others over alleged vote-buying before their subsequent release.

She noted that the allegations and counter-allegations among political actors have further heightened public concern over the electoral environment.

While affirming the constitutional powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate alleged electoral offences and make arrests where necessary, she cautioned that the arrest of a high-ranking government official at such a sensitive stage of the electoral process could inflame political tension if not handled with the utmost transparency, professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law.

“Such actions have the potential to deepen public suspicion, fuel reprisals among supporters, and undermine confidence in the fairness and credibility of the election if not handled transparently and professionally,” she warned.

Although governorship candidates have signed a Peace Accord, Akiyode-Afolabi stressed that genuine commitment to peaceful elections must go beyond ceremonial endorsements.

“The true test of that commitment lies not in signing documents but in the actions of political leaders, their supporters, and the institutions responsible for safeguarding our democracy,” she said.

Without taking sides in the ongoing political controversy, she maintained that actions taken by public institutions during an election period must be lawful, transparent and capable of strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.

She also urged security agencies to remain professional, impartial and accountable to the Constitution, emphasising that their primary responsibility is to protect citizens and secure the electoral process without creating any perception of political bias or intimidation.

The former TMG chairperson further called on INEC to sustain its independence, transparency and professionalism, insisting that every lawful vote must count and that the outcome of the election should reflect the freely expressed will of the electorate.

She appealed to political leaders to immediately de-escalate tensions, reject violence, hate speech and intimidation, and publicly encourage their supporters to embrace peaceful participation before, during and after the election.

“No political office is worth the life of a single Nigerian. Let the people decide. Let institutions remain neutral. Let peace prevail,” Akiyode-Afolabi declared.