By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, civil society organisations, media practitioners, security agencies and electoral stakeholders have been urged to play active, responsible and non-partisan roles in ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process.
The call was made by Chairman of the Civil Society Matters Committee of the Imole Campaign Council, Funmiso Babarinde, during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the committee in support of the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Babarinde charged civil society groups, the media, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission to discharge their constitutional responsibilities in protecting democracy and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
He described the engagement as a strategic platform designed to deepen democratic consciousness and remind stakeholders of their critical responsibilities before, during and after the election.
According to him, the Osun governorship election is particularly significant because it is the last off-cycle governorship poll ahead of the 2027 general elections, making it a major test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral system.
“The conduct of this election will attract national attention and serve as a litmus test for democratic institutions and stakeholders across the country,” he said.
Babarinde maintained that the administration of Governor Adeleke had continued to gain widespread support among residents due to its infrastructural development initiatives, welfare programmes and people-oriented policies.
“There is no doubt that the infrastructural development drive and people-centred welfare policies of Governor Ademola Adeleke have significantly increased his popularity compared to 2022 when he defeated the incumbent governor,” he stated.
“Three years later, Governor Adeleke has demonstrated capacity and commitment by fulfilling his campaign promises and surpassing expectations in several sectors.”
He also commended members of the media and civil society organisations for their contributions to democratic governance through objective reporting, advocacy, public enlightenment and constructive criticism.
According to him, the media and civil society groups have continued to strengthen democracy by highlighting government achievements, identifying areas requiring improvement and countering misinformation allegedly targeted at the administration.
Babarinde, however, cautioned stakeholders against placing political interests above the credibility of the electoral process.
He specifically warned security agencies against actions capable of creating fear, intimidation or tension in the state ahead of the election.
“Similarly, the police and other security agencies must remain apolitical. They must desist from actions capable of creating tension or chaos ahead of the election,” he said.
He stressed that public confidence in democracy largely depends on the professionalism and neutrality of security operatives during elections, urging them to focus on protecting lives, property and the sanctity of the ballot.