- Safiu Kehinde
Renowned election observer and former Chairperson of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, has raised concerns over the escalating political tension ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Akiyode-Afolabi warned that the current atmosphere poses a serious threat to the credibility of the poll and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the human rights lawyer and governance expert urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and credible manner.
Drawing on her extensive experience in election observation and democratic governance, Akiyode-Afolabi noted that the developments in Osun reflect several early warning signs commonly associated with electoral violence.
“As an election observer, I understand the warning signs that often precede electoral violence. The developments unfolding in Osun demand urgent and collective action to prevent further escalation,” she said.
The Associate Professor of Law expressed concern over the growing political tension, reports of election-related violence and loss of lives, inflammatory rhetoric, and increasing public anxiety ahead of the poll.
According to official and security reports, over twenty persons have reportedly lost their lives in politically related violence in the build-up to the election.
Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi, also noted that recent controversies including the reported freezing of an Osun State Government bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the deployment of about 15,000 police personnel have heightened public concern over the electoral environment and, the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, and five others over alleged votebuying, who were later released, as well as the allegations and counter-allegations among political actors.
While not questioning the constitutional authority of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate allegations of electoral offences and make arrests where necessary, she observed that the arrest of a high-ranking government official and political stalwart at such a sensitive stage of the electoral process, has the potential to heighten political tension, deepen public suspicion, fuel reprisals among supporters, and undermine confidence in the fairness and credibility of the election if not handled with the utmost transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
While acknowledging that governorship candidates had signed a Peace Accord, she stressed that genuine commitment to peaceful elections must be demonstrated through responsible conduct rather than symbolic gestures.
“The true test of that commitment lies not in signing documents but in the actions of political leaders, their supporters, and the institutions responsible for safeguarding our democracy,” she stated.
Without taking sides in the controversy, the election expert and associate professor of law cautioned that actions taken by public institutions during an election period must be transparent, lawful, and capable of inspiring and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.
She also urged security agencies to remain professional, impartial, and accountable to the Constitution, stressing that their responsibility is to protect citizens and secure the electoral process without creating the perception of political bias or intimidation.
The former TMG Boss, further called on INEC to continue demonstrating independence, transparency, and professionalism, insisting that every lawful vote must count and that the outcome of the election should reflect the freely expressed will of the people.
She appealed to political leaders to immediately de-escalate tensions, reject violence, hate speech, and intimidation, and publicly encourage their supporters to embrace peaceful participation before, during, and after the electoral process.
“No political office is worth the life of a single Nigerian,” Akiyode-Afolabi declared. “Let the people decide. Let institutions remain neutral. Let peace prevail.”
She added that the Osun governorship election represents another important test of Nigeria’s democracy and urged all stakeholders to protect its integrity through responsible leadership, constitutional compliance, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.