By John Dike, Osogbo
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, civil society organisations, the media, and security agencies have been urged to play active, responsible, and non-partisan roles in ensuring peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections in Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.
The call was made by the Chairman of the Civil Society Matters Committee of the Imole Campaign Council, Hon. Funmiso Babarinde, during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the committee for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Babarinde specifically charged civil society organisations, media practitioners, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to their constitutional responsibilities in safeguarding democracy and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
Addressing journalists, civil society groups, political stakeholders, and supporters at the engagement, Babarinde described the meeting as a strategic platform aimed at strengthening democratic consciousness and reminding stakeholders of the critical roles they must play before, during, and after the election.
According to him, the forthcoming Osun governorship election remains significant not only to the people of the state but also to Nigeria’s democratic process because it represents the final off-cycle governorship election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that the conduct of the election would attract national attention and could serve as a major test case for democratic institutions and electoral stakeholders in the country.
Babarinde maintained that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration has continued to enjoy growing popularity among residents of the state owing to its infrastructural development drive, welfare-oriented programmes, and commitment to people-centred governance.
He said the administration has fulfilled several campaign promises made to the people in 2022 while also surpassing expectations in many sectors, thereby strengthening public confidence in the government.
“There is no doubt that the infrastructural development drive and people-oriented welfare policies of Governor Ademola Adeleke have significantly increased his popularity compared to 2022 when he defeated the incumbent governor,” Babarinde stated.
“Three years later, you will agree with me that Governor Adeleke deserves a second term in office, having delivered on his campaign promises and even surpassed expectations in many areas.”
The committee chairman commended members of the media and civil society organisations for their roles in sustaining democratic governance through objective reporting, advocacy, public enlightenment, and constructive criticism.
He noted that media organisations and civil society groups have consistently supported the democratic process by acknowledging achievements of government where necessary, pointing out areas requiring improvement, and countering misinformation and propaganda allegedly targeted at the administration.
“I commend civil society groups and members of the media for the vital roles they have played so far. You applauded the government in areas where we performed well, offered constructive criticism where improvements were necessary, and defended the administration whenever detractors attempted to spread campaigns of calumny against it,” he said.
Babarinde, however, warned that all stakeholders must place the interest of democracy and the credibility of the electoral process above political sentiments and personal interests.
He cautioned against actions capable of heating up the polity, stressing that desperation, inflammatory rhetoric, and provocative political conduct could threaten peace and stability in the state ahead of the election.
According to him, democratic institutions and relevant stakeholders must remain vigilant and committed to transparency, accountability, and peaceful coexistence throughout the electoral process.
The Imole Campaign Council chieftain also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to demonstrate professionalism, neutrality, and transparency in the discharge of its duties.
He urged the electoral body to ensure timely release of the voters’ register to political parties, adequate training of ad hoc personnel, prompt deployment of electoral materials, and the conduct of a smooth and credible exercise capable of inspiring public confidence.
“There is a need for all of us to hold INEC accountable for the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, especially at a time when the opposition is displaying acts of desperation and bravado that are unhealthy for the democratic process,” he stated.
“INEC must release the voters’ register to political parties on time, ensure early deployment of electoral materials, guarantee a hitch-free exercise, and remain impartial throughout the process.”
Babarinde further appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to maintain neutrality and professionalism before, during, and after the election.
He warned security operatives against acts capable of creating fear, intimidation, harassment, or tension among residents and political actors in the state.
According to him, public confidence in democracy depends largely on the conduct of security agencies during elections, stressing that security personnel must avoid political bias and focus on protecting lives, property, and the sanctity of the electoral process.
“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.
“Security agencies should act professionally and responsibly in order to strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.”
Speaking further, Babarinde challenged the media to continue discharging its constitutional responsibility as the watchdog of society by promoting peace, unity, and issue-based political discourse.
He cautioned journalists and media organisations against sensationalism, fake news, divisive narratives, and reports capable of inciting violence or deepening political tension in the state.
“The media must continue to see itself as a messenger of peace and unity, not discord, during the electoral exercise,” he added.
The chairman also charged civil society organisations to remain committed to democratic values through voter education, election monitoring, advocacy, and promotion of peaceful participation in the electoral process.
He advised civil society groups to avoid unnecessary partisanship and continue serving as the conscience of society and defenders of the people’s democratic rights.
Babarinde concluded by emphasising that the protection of democracy remains a collective responsibility requiring sincerity, patriotism, and commitment from all stakeholders.
He expressed optimism that Osun State could once again set a positive example for credible elections in Nigeria if all political actors, institutions, and stakeholders conduct themselves responsibly.
“Our democracy must be protected, and that responsibility begins here in Osun State, which remains the final phase of the off-cycle elections in Nigeria before the 2027 general elections,” he declared.
Some stakeholders who spoke during the engagement also urged all institutions and individuals involved in the electoral process to remain apolitical and strictly adhere to the rules and regulations guiding elections as contained in the Electoral Act.
The stakeholders commended the Imole Campaign Council for organising the engagement at a critical period when political activities are intensifying ahead of the governorship poll.
They stressed the need for collective vigilance and active civic participation in order to ensure transparent, peaceful, and credible elections in the state.
“All of us must be ready to be watchdogs of society. We are all called to engage and ensure credible elections. We must stand for free and fair elections,” some of the stakeholders stated.
