By NewsWorld Media Network

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised serious concerns over rising political tension and violence ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, even as it commended security preparations for the closely watched poll.

Osun Decides 2026: CJID Deploys Observers, Fact-Checkers Across 30 LGAs To Monitor Election

In a preliminary statement issued at 9:30am on Friday, the coalition of over 70 civil society organisations said it had convened in Osogbo to monitor the election, describing it as a critical test for INEC and Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group said it was “deeply concerned” about reports of politically motivated violence, clashes between party supporters, intimidation, and hostile rhetoric in the lead-up to the vote. It disclosed that INEC had identified 385 election flashpoints across the state, while its partners — Kimpact Development Initiative and CLEEN Foundation — flagged several local government areas as high violence-risk zones.

Adding to the tension, the Situation Room noted widely circulated reports of a killing in Ilesa-East LGA on the eve of the election, and referenced an earlier attack on an INEC PVC distribution centre in Odo-Otin LGA, where voter cards and BVAS devices were reportedly stolen.

On security, the group acknowledged the deployment of 15,000 police personnel, 10,210 NSCDC officials, 100 EFCC officials, and a heavy military presence, urging all agencies to act impartially and avoid excessive militarisation that could intimidate rather than reassure voters.

The statement also pointed to at least 16 politically linked fatalities tracked since September 2025, with alleged perpetrators tied to both the ruling Accord Party and the APC. It welcomed an intervention by Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu but insisted his warnings must translate into “visible, impartial and preventive action.”

The Situation Room issued five urgent calls to stakeholders: impartial and decisive security action; risk-based, intelligence-led deployment; restraint and responsibility from political parties; transparency from INEC; and full protection of voters’ rights, particularly for women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

It urged citizens of Osun State to reject violence, verify information before sharing it, and report threats through proper channels, stressing that peace-building responsibility cannot substitute for the state’s duty to protect voters.

The statement was signed by Y.Z Ya’u (Convener) and Mma Odi (Co-Convener) of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, alongside Celestine Odo.

Osun State goes to the polls Saturday, August 15, with over 2.3 million registered voters expected to decide the state’s next governor in a keenly contested race.

— NewsWorld Media Network. Follow us on X and Facebook @ngrNewsWorld for live updates.