The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance has alleged that there is a plot to instigate violence in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election as a pretext for declaring a state of emergency and removing Governor Ademola Adeleke from office.
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, coalition’s convener, Comrade Chief Declan Ogujionu Ihekaire, claimed it had received intelligence from what it described as credible sources, including members of security agencies, indicating that politically sponsored violence was being planned to create instability in the state.
He alleged that the objective of the plot was to trigger federal intervention through the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he said would undermine democratic governance and give the opposition an electoral advantage.
He condemned what he described as an anti-democratic agenda, insisting that Governor Adeleke was elected through a democratic process and should not be removed through unconstitutional means.
“We unequivocally condemn this anti-democratic scheme. We stand firmly with the people of Osun State and with constitutional democracy,” Ihekaire said.
He also alleged that political thugs had recently attacked residents and disrupted commercial activities at motor parks in parts of the state, accusing some police officers of failing to curb the violence and, in some cases, shielding those responsible.
Ihekaire further accused the Osun State Police Command of partisanship, alleging that it had failed to respond effectively to complaints of violence and insecurity.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure that security agencies remain neutral and professional throughout the election period, warning against actions capable of triggering a constitutional crisis.
The coalition also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect lives and property without political bias, while urging the All Progressives Congress (APC) to caution its supporters against acts of violence.
It appealed to the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom, to closely monitor developments in Osun State and deploy election observers ahead of the poll.
The coalition warned against any declaration of a state of emergency in the state, describing such a move as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
It also vowed to mobilise Nigerians through peaceful and lawful means to resist any attempt to undermine the outcome of the election or subvert the will of the people.
According to Ihekaire, the coalition is documenting alleged incidents of political violence and warned that individuals found to have sponsored or participated in attacks on citizens could face legal action, including possible international accountability.
Reaffirming the group’s commitment to democratic governance, he maintained that the people of Osun State should be allowed to elect their governor in a peaceful, free and credible election without intimidation or external interference.
Also speaking, Comrade Funmi Jolaade Ajayi said women and children are usually the worst affected by election violence, urging political actors to allow peace to prevail in the state.
Comrade Edefe Ogenebowen appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene by ensuring that security agencies conduct themselves professionally and guarantee peaceful, credible elections.
“The Inspector-General of Police visited Osun some weeks ago, but developments in the state suggest there are vested interests at play. We appeal to all stakeholders to allow peace to reign.
They should shun violence because, after the elections, the consequences may become difficult to contain. Nigeria is still battling the Boko Haram insurgency, and we do not need another crisis. We urge the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, to call the security agencies to order and ensure that peace prevails in Osun State,” he said.
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