No Office Worth Human Life, Ethical Governance Coalition Tells Osun Politicians

By Joseph Sunday

Osogbo — The Partnership for Ethical Governance has charged stakeholders to ensure the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State is peaceful, credible and violence-free.

The coalition made the call at a press conference held in Osogbo on Wednesday, themed “Safeguarding Democracy Through Peaceful, Credible and Violence-Free Elections.” The group said the election must be a defining moment for democracy in Osun and Nigeria at large.

Addressing journalists, security chiefs, INEC officials, party leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and civil society organisations, the coalition expressed concern over reports of politically motivated attacks, violent confrontations and intimidation ahead of the poll.

“Elections are not wars. Political opponents are not enemies. Victory at the polls must never come at the cost of human misery, trauma and lives,” the group said. “Political violence has no place in any civilised society.”

The Partnership urged registered voters not to be discouraged by recent incidents of violence, but to turn out en masse on August 15 to exercise their constitutional right.

“No one should ever have to choose between participating in democracy and preserving his or her life. Every voter should be able to approach the polling unit, cast a ballot freely and return home safely,” it said.

The group specifically called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party and other participating parties to demonstrate political maturity and restrain their supporters.

It warned that no political office is worth the life of any citizen, noting that young people are often the victims of electoral violence while its sponsors rarely bear the consequences.

“No politician’s ambition is greater than the value of human life. Protecting one’s future will always be more rewarding than sacrificing it for another person’s political ambition,” the coalition said.

On security, the coalition said it had engaged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). While commending their assurances, it urged them to remain professional, non-partisan and firm against criminality at polling units.

It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold transparency, neutrality and strict compliance with the Electoral Act, including timely deployment of personnel and materials, seamless operation of electoral technology, and prompt, transparent collation of results.

“Every valid vote must count, and every result declared must faithfully reflect the sovereign will of the electorate,” the group said.

The coalition concluded by urging all stakeholders to place the interest of Osun above partisan considerations.

“Let this election be remembered not for violence, bitterness or controversy, but for peace, maturity, credibility and the triumph of the democratic will of the people,” it added.