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Fresh concerns have emerged over the security and political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, with the National Peace Committee warning that the level of tension in the state is becoming increasingly worrying and requiring urgent intervention from political actors, security agencies and the electoral umpire.
The Head of Secretariat of the National Peace Committee, Fr. Attah Barkindo, disclosed that the committee’s engagements and field assessments had revealed genuine concerns about the situation in Osun, stressing that evidence gathered by the committee pointed to an atmosphere of anxiety that could threaten a peaceful electoral process if not properly managed.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Barkindo said the committee would be dishonest to dismiss the warning signs already identified during its consultations in the state.
“I mean, I will not be honest, I will be dishonest if I say there are no concerns. There are very genuine concerns, even from the data, the evidence we have collected so far. When we are in Osun, the tension is palpable. You can literally touch the tension with your hands,” he said.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Barkindo said the National Peace Committee would continue to rely on dialogue, persuasion and moral authority to encourage peaceful conduct among political stakeholders, candidates and their supporters before, during and after the election.
According to him, the committee’s mandate is not to enforce electoral laws but to encourage responsible behaviour through sustained engagement with all parties involved in the electoral process.
“We are still calling on people because, at the end of the day, the Peace Committee will ride on its moral power and authority to advise, to preach, to push, and to talk to the powers that be,” Barkindo stated.
He explained that the committee would continue collaborating closely with the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission, noting that both institutions possess the constitutional authority to enforce electoral laws and maintain order throughout the election period.
“At the end of the day, we work together with the police and also INEC, who have the constitutional powers to enforce some of these laws,” he added.
Barkindo further disclosed that information and evidence gathered by the committee during its engagements would be shared with both the police and INEC to support efforts aimed at preventing violence and ensuring a credible governorship election.
“So ours will keep encouraging and pushing, and at the end of the day, share the information and the data that we have with both the police and with INEC,” he said.
His comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the Osun governorship election, with stakeholders continuing campaigns while security agencies and election managers prepare for the exercise amid growing calls for peaceful conduct and adherence to democratic principles.
