The Osun governorship election has drawn renewed attention after the Imole Campaign Council of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke submitted a petition to the British High Commission in Abuja over developments ahead of the August 15, 2026 poll. The council said the election would serve as an important measure of Nigeria’s readiness to conduct credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The petition was presented on Friday by the council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who led a delegation to the High Commission. Addressing journalists after the submission, Olajengbesi stated that the election extends beyond Osun State because of its significance to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He said, “We have written to the British High Commission on the current political situation in Osun State. The people of Osun will proceed to vote on the 15th of August, 2026.
“This election is important to Nigeria and the world. It is a major test of the integrity of INEC, the Inspector General of Police and our institutions to know if we are prepared to conduct a free, fair and credible election in 2027.”
Olajengbesi called on the Federal Government, international observers and civil society organisations to ensure neutrality throughout the electoral process. He also disclosed that the campaign council had submitted a separate petition to the Inspector General of Police regarding reported incidents of violence in the state, urging the police to provide adequate security for voters during the election.
According to him, “Our goal is to ensure that all stakeholders in this election, including INEC, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, play their role in a neutral manner so that there can be a credible election that the entire world can be proud of.”
Also speaking, Olufemi Franklin of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers described the Osun governorship election as a significant assessment of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He said, “This election will test the credibility and integrity of stakeholders, including the Chairman of INEC and the Inspector General of Police. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the people are not robbed of their choice of governor.”
Franklin further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and independent while calling on security agencies to provide a secure environment that would allow eligible voters to exercise their constitutional rights freely.
He added, “Nigeria is no longer a baby democracy. This election will show us what to expect in the 2027 general election. We are asking the IGP to rise to his responsibilities.”
The campaign council stated that it would continue monitoring the electoral process in Osun State while advocating for the protection of voters’ rights as preparations continue for the August 15, 2026 governorship poll.
